Chelsea’s Late Bid for Victor Osimhen: Inside the Transfer Drama and Hopes for January Move
Premier League giants Chelsea made a last-minute effort to sign Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen during the summer transfer window as the forward looked set to leave Serie A champions Napoli.
However, despite a lucrative offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli being accepted by Napoli—valued at €80 million (£68m/$88m)—Osimhen turned down the chance to head to the Middle East.
Instead, he opted for a season-long loan at Turkish club Galatasaray, leaving Chelsea’s hopes of landing the prolific striker on hold, potentially until January.
Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, who has close ties to Osimhen, recently shed light on the details behind the failed transfer.
Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel revealed how both Chelsea and Osimhen worked hard to make the deal happen, only for minor complications to prevent the transfer from going through. Despite the breakdown, Mikel remains optimistic that a deal could be finalized in the next transfer window.
“I know what Victor wanted, I know what the club offered him, and I know how close we were,” Mikel explained. “Both sides had to make compromises, and we finally reached an agreement. But in the end, it was the little things—paperwork, medical checks, and a few final details—that we couldn’t get over the line. We just didn’t have enough time.”
Mikel praised Chelsea’s ambition and Osimhen’s desire to join the club, calling it a near-perfect match. “Chelsea really showed how much they wanted him, and Victor was disappointed when the transfer didn’t happen. I spoke to him after the window closed, and he was frustrated, but I reminded him to stay strong and focused. He’s got that same edge and bite that players like Didier Drogba and Diego Costa had, and that’s exactly what Chelsea is missing right now—a striker who can intimidate defenders.”
Mikel also hinted that Chelsea could rekindle their interest in Osimhen in January, saying that both the club and the player remain keen on completing the deal.
“There are no issues between Victor and Chelsea. If we pick this back up in January or even next summer, we know exactly where we left off. It’s just the finer details that need to be sorted, and I’m confident we’ll get the deal done. The club is in a happy place with Victor, and Victor is in a happy place with Chelsea.”
For Mikel, the desire to bring Osimhen to Stamford Bridge goes beyond personal connections, though he considers the 25-year-old a friend and a younger brother.
“I want him at Chelsea, not just because he’s Nigerian or a friend, but because he’s one of the best strikers in the world right now. He’s Africa’s best player, and I know what he can bring to the club. Chelsea fans know it too. He’s got the ability to transform our attack, and I’m determined to make sure he ends up at the club.”
Mikel also defended Osimhen against recent criticism, particularly from those questioning his motives. “There’s been a lot of talk about Victor being greedy, but people don’t know the full story.
He made significant compromises to try and make this move happen. He really wanted to join Chelsea, and it’s time for people—especially Nigerians—to rally behind him and show support. He deserves credit for his commitment, not criticism.”
The saga surrounding Osimhen’s future could continue into January, with reports suggesting that his contract with Galatasaray includes a release clause that can be triggered by up to 10 top European clubs, including Chelsea.
The Blues, who remain in search of a proven No. 9, are expected to reignite their interest when the winter transfer window opens. Mikel is hopeful that with time on their side, all parties involved will be able to finalize the deal.
In the meantime, Osimhen will focus on his season in Turkey, but the prospect of a move to Stamford Bridge remains very much alive.
As Chelsea continue to rebuild under their current regime, securing a world-class striker like Osimhen could be the key to restoring their dominance in the Premier League and Europe. For now, all eyes will be on the January window, where Chelsea’s pursuit of Osimhen could reach its long-awaited conclusion.
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