As the Premier League season gets into full swing, former Super Eagles midfielder and Chelsea legend Mikel Obi has weighed in on where the Blues might finish this year.
Last season, Chelsea finished 6th under Mauricio Pochettino, who mutually parted ways with the club at the end of the campaign.
Now, with new manager Enzo Maresca at the helm, the club is eager to reclaim its former glory.
Chelsea has been busy in the transfer market, bringing in players like Marc Guiu from Barcelona, Tosin Adarabioyo, Pedro Neto, and others. But despite these moves, Mikel remains unconvinced.
Speaking to beIN Sports, Mikel predicted that Chelsea would finish 7th this season a drop from last year’s already underwhelming position.
“I’ve always said I predict Chelsea to finish seventh in the Premier League this season because I just don’t see them winning that many games,” Mikel stated.
“I think it’s going to be a tough season, and when the going gets tough, I want to see how Enzo Maresca is going to deal with it. I don’t think he’s been in that situation before, and that’s going to be tested.”
Adding to Chelsea’s challenges, their pursuit of a new striker has been fraught with complications.
The club came close to signing Atlético Madrid’s Samuel Omorodion, with medicals completed and the deal nearly sealed, only for it to fall through at the last minute, much to the surprise of many.
Meanwhile, Nigerian international Victor Osimhen has also been on Chelsea’s radar.
After Osimhen expressed his desire to leave Napoli, Chelsea showed interest, but Napoli’s high asking price has deterred suitors.
“So with the whole mess that’s going around the team, if we get an out-and-out striker who can score goals, who can finish those chances we create then maybe…” Mikel said, hinting at what Chelsea needs to turn their fortunes around.
“I’ve said it time and time again. I think there is one player that’s available. I think there is one player that’s available. Napoli, Chelsea, Lukaku, Osimhen, and a bit more money for Napoli—that’s the deal that I want to see done because, for me, he looks like a player who is ready to come to the Premier League and score goals.”
However, reports suggest that Chelsea views Victor Osimhen and Romelu Lukaku as separate deals.
The club is unwilling to discuss a swap deal involving the two strikers, even though Napoli has already agreed to personal terms with Lukaku, and negotiations with Chelsea are still ongoing.
At the same time, Maresca’s side has reopened talks to sign Osimhen, possibly on an initial loan deal.
Yet, despite his desire to leave Napoli, Osimhen is reportedly not open to a loan move or a reduction in his salary demands.
Critical Decision Ahead
Chelsea’s quest for a reliable goal scorer could make or break their season and Mikel’s cautious prediction might just hit the mark.
Victor Osimhen’s future remains uncertain, and he will need to make a decision soon.
