Former Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi has expressed hope that his former club won’t miss out on signing Victor Osimhen again this summer, especially amid renewed interest from Saudi Arabia and Chelsea’s ongoing search for a new striker.
Chelsea attempted to sign the Nigerian forward last summer but failed to reach an agreement with Napoli. As the Blues continue their hunt for a striker, they’re now weighing up options including Ipswich’s Liam Delap—whose £30m release clause is far cheaper than Osimhen’s £65m—as well as other young talents like Benjamin Šeško, Hugo Ekitike, and Jonathan David.
While no formal offers have emerged from the Saudi Pro League this window, Mikel is concerned about the growing financial pull of the Middle East.
“I hope he doesn’t go there,” Mikel said on the Obi One Podcast. “That was my conversation with him last summer. I told the kid, ‘Don’t go’. Saudi will always be there—they’re hosting the World Cup in 2034 and will keep spending.”
“Come to us [Chelsea] for three or four seasons. But how long can you keep saying no to that kind of money? At some point, your head gets turned—your family, your parents… It’s generational wealth.”
Following a breakdown in relations with Napoli and a failed Saudi move, Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan this season. The 26-year-old has been in sensational form in Turkey, scoring 28 goals in 32 appearances across all competitions.
