Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen came under heavy criticism after Chelsea's failed attempt to sign the Nigerian on Deadline Day, with several accusing the striker of being greedy. However, one countryman has leaped to his defense and that man is John Obi Mikel.
The former Nigeria and Chelsea midfielder revealed details on why Osimhen's Stamford Bridge move never materialized, stating that despite popular belief, it was not down to wages.
The Scudetto winner had been subject to interest from Chelsea throughout the summer and according to several reports, Osimhen rejected the two-time UEFA Champions League winners after failing to match his wage demands.
However, Obi Mikel argues that this is not the case. Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, the former Stamford Bridge ace revealed that Victor was in fact close to joining the London giants.
Furthermore, he argues that a compromise was reached after both parties made concessions. Unfortunately, time was not on their side and thus they could not finalize the finer details before the transfer window closed.
"I know what Victor wanted, I know what the club offered him, I know where we got to, we finally got to a compromise, both sides had to compromise, it was just some little things here and there, paperwork, medical, and a few issues we just couldn't get over the line and we didn't have much time," John stated.
"Both sides really played their part in terms of getting the deal done, and I commend Chelsea for that because I can see their ambition of where they want to take this club now and also on Victor's side, how much he really wanted to come to the club.
"He was disappointed it didn't happen. I spoke to him when the transfer window shut, I gave him a call, we spent 20 minutes talking, I said, 'listen, I'm always here for you, you need to keep your head down, you need to keep working hard, keep training, I know it's not the best situation right now but I know you're strong'. You know, Victor's a strong character, he's a bit like Didier Drogba and Diego Costa and that's something we're missing at the club, strikers who have that edge, who have that bite who can intimidate defenders and Victor definitely has that."
Obi Mikel also added that Chelsea have done most of the groundwork and should be confident of signing him in January should they rekindle their interest. This is an interesting statement because Osimhen's season-long loan at Galatasaray contains a January break clause which could see him end his stay in Istanbul as early as this winter should another club come calling.
"Victor has come under a lot of criticism about this because people don't know the ins and outs of what happened," Mikel added.
"You need to know that before you criticize the kid. Victor really, really wanted to come to the club and he had to compromise a lot to come to the middle because we did reach an agreement in terms of the salary, in terms of what he wants, it was just a few minor details here and there that we couldn't get over the line.
"For me, hearing all that nonsense about Victor being greedy, a lot of people talking down about him. No, I think it's time, especially Nigerians, support him, it's time people around him, friends, Nigerian fans, get behind him and support him. Like I said, if we have to pick it back up again, if there is interest come January, Chelsea still want Victor and Victor still wants to come to Chelsea, we know exactly where we are. It's not a matter of it being difficult, we're just going to get the deal done."
Chelsea have started the season in mixed form, thrashing Wolves 6-2 on Matchday 2 but failing to win their two other matches before the September international break. While Nicolas Jackson, the club's current forward, has begun the campaign well, scoring twice so far, the Stamford Bridge faithful might still want to see Osimhen in West London.
Unfortunately, the Premier League heavyweights are currently in turmoil. According to recent reports, co-owner Todd Boehly is said to be in a power struggle with majority stakeholders Clearlake Capital, with both looking to buy the other one out.
