Why Osimhen, Chelsea deal collapsed – Mikel Obi
Former Super Eagles and Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has explained why Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen's proposed transfer from Napoli to Chelsea fell through on deadline day.According to Punch Metro, the 25-year-old, who was linked to The Blues as well as other suitors in France and Saudi Arabia, had a strained relationship with his Italian employers and submitted a transfer request to leave the club a year after helping Napoli end their 33-year wait for a league title in the 2022-23 season when he was named Serie A's top scorer with 26 goals, leaving him dissatisfied with the Italian side.
Speaking on his Obi One Podcast, Obi revealed that the reigning African Footballer of the Year was'very, very close' to joining Chelsea this summer and explained why the deal fell through.
The Chelsea legend, who had previously stated that Osimhen was the final piece of the puzzle at Stamford Bridge, denied claims that the deal fell through due to his fellow countryman's greed.
Mikel said: "I hear a lot of people saying this and saying that about Victor and how greedy he is, blah, blah, blah. 'Take a pay cut and come to Chelsea' Blah, blah, blah, and such.
"I know this kid. I know the boy. I just want to clarify that this is not true. Victor isn't a greedy boy. He's not a greedy guy; he just wants to get what he deserves, and that's fine."
During the transfer window, it was reported that Osimhen requested a weekly salary of around £500,000, which is an extraordinary sum. Chelsea was interested in signing a striker, but they were unable to meet the demands. Mikel strongly denied these allegations.
"No, he wasn't asking for all this b******t," Mikel insisted. "I know what happened; I was in the middle of it all. So I can assure everyone that this is not true.
"He simply wants to play football and get what he deserves, and that is not a problem. It is not a problem for a player to know his worth and demand to be paid accordingly.
"Our negotiations were extremely close, but there were a few minor issues that we were unable to resolve. I know what the club offered him, and we had to make a compromise. There were some minor issues with paperwork, medicals, and other details that kept us from completing the transaction."
Meanwhile, Osimhen has left Napoli for Turkish Super Lig side Galatasaray on a season-long loan, having agreed to a new release clause of £75 million with Napoli and a January break-out from Galatasaray if a big club shows interest in signing him.
The Nigerian made his competitive football comeback on Saturday, scoring in a 3-0 win over Benin Republic to help the Super Eagles begin their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
"I'm very excited to be a part of the Galatasaray family. I can't wait to give my all for this club and make the most of this new adventure with such an incredible team and fans. "I'm ready to make unforgettable memories with Galatasaray," Osimhen said ahead of his first game for the club.
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