By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
Former Chelsea midfielder, John Mikel Obi has confirmed the Blues interest in Napoli forward, Victor Osimhen.
Mikel also revealed that Osimhen is interested in a move to the Stamford Bridge.
The 25-year-old is expected to leave Serie A champions this summer despite signing a new contract last December.
The striker reportedly has a release clause in the region of €120m to 130m I his contract.
Aside from Chelsea, Arsenal and Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain reportedly have strong interest in Osimhen.
Mikel claimed he is pushing for his compatriot to move to West London.
“I think there is genuine interest between both. I think he loves the club, he wants to come to the club. Obviously, he wants to follow in my footstep as a Nigerian player who has played for Chelsea,” Mikel said in an interview relayed by Ben Jacobs on hia X account.
“Victor Moses as well, Celestine Babayaro. Not a lot of. He has looked at that, London as well, fantastic city instead of going to Liverpool or places like that, you want to live in London but he also has a lot of interest, PSG, Man United but I am still pushing, sending him messages, trying to make sure that he doesn’t expect too much, just narrow your mind in one club, the Blues.
“I am pushing but I hope he comes to the club because he will bring so much to the club. I think one thing we lack anybody who watch the final on Sunday will see that one thing we are lacking is scoring goals.”
Chelsea have struggled in front of goal this season.
The former European champions lost the Carabao Cup final to Liverpool on Sunday and have no chance of playing Champions League football season.
Mikel believed Osimhen’s arrival will help boost Chelsea attack.
“We need that striker who will score goals and that is what Victor will give you,”Mikel added. READ ALSO:
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“He is not the most skillful guy but goals, definitely, he guarantees, if he could get us 20 goals per season, 25 who knows.
“That is what Erling Haaland does, that is why he is one of the best, he is not really there to follow the links up and all that. Get the ball in the box and he would finish.
“That is definitely what Victor Osimhen would give us, so let’s hope it works out, he comes to Chelsea and becomes a legend.”