John Obi Mikel has shared insights into Victor Osimhen’s failed transfer to Chelsea, which collapsed despite the deal appearing close. After Chelsea sold Romelu Lukaku to Napoli for £30 million, Osimhen was expected to fill the striker void at Stamford Bridge. However, the transfer never materialized, and the 25-year-old Nigerian striker went on loan to Galatasaray instead.

Speaking on *The Obi One Podcast*, Mikel revealed the complications that arose during negotiations. “I know what Victor wanted, I know what the club offered him, and we finally reached a compromise,” he explained. “Both sides played their part in trying to get the deal done, but there were just some small issues—paperwork, medical—that we couldn’t resolve in time. Both Chelsea and Victor were really keen, but we ran out of time.”

Mikel emphasized that Osimhen was eager to join Chelsea and was left disappointed when the transfer fell through. “He really wanted to come to the club,” Mikel said. “I spoke to him after the transfer window closed, and he was down about it. I told him to keep his head up, keep training hard, and that the opportunity might come around again.”

Mikel likened Osimhen to Chelsea greats Didier Drogba and Diego Costa, praising the striker’s character and his physical, aggressive style of play. “Victor has that edge, that bite we’re missing at the club. He can intimidate defenders, and he definitely has the potential to thrive in the Premier League,” Mikel added.

Arsenal were also linked with a move for Osimhen during the summer, while the striker reportedly turned down a £67.3 million move to Saudi club Al-Ahli after Napoli accepted the bid. Despite these other offers, Mikel suggested that the relationship between Osimhen and Chelsea remains positive, leaving the door open for a future transfer. “There are no hard feelings between Victor and the club. If we pick this back up again in January or next summer, we know where we stand. It’s just a matter of finalizing a few details.”

Mikel expressed confidence that Osimhen still has a strong desire to join Chelsea. “He wants to help the club get back to where it should be, and he knows he can score plenty of goals in the Premier League. What better place to do that than Chelsea, his childhood club?”

Mikel also praised Chelsea’s co-sporting director, Paul Winstanley, who led efforts to sign Osimhen. Mikel commended Winstanley for his vision and commitment to bringing the “right players” to Stamford Bridge. “Paul was amazing throughout the whole process,” Mikel said. “It’s refreshing to see where the club wants to go under his leadership. They don’t just want to sign any player, they’re focused on bringing in players who can improve the squad. I think Paul is on top of that, and we’re starting to see the right players come to Chelsea.”

Although the Osimhen deal didn’t come together this time, Mikel remains optimistic about the future, believing the club will continue making smart decisions in the transfer market to bring success back to Stamford Bridge.