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By Johnny Edward
Former Super Eagles captain, Mikel Obi, has advised Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, to join Chelsea ahead of his boyhood club, Manchester United, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Mikel, a member of the Eagles squad that lifted the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa for a third time, made this known in the latest episode of The Obi One podcast.
The former Chelsea star noted that Osimhen would excel as a player if he joined the Blues next summer.
Osimhen attracted interests from a number of European clubs over the summer after his 26 goals in 32 league games led Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years.
While there was said to be interest from the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, Napoli’s significant financial demands ultimately led to
Osimhen staying at the Italian club.
The striker, who is under contract until June 2025, was believed to be close to reaching an agreement over a new Napoli deal but negotiations reportedly hit a
stumbling block due to issues surrounding the player’s salary demands, a potential release clause and a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia.
The striker’s recent TikTok row with the club has also thrown his future at the club in doubt.
“I think he (Osimhen) will seamlessly fit into the Premier League. He got the tools to be a success in England,” Mikel said.
“When I look back at him a few years ago, I would say ‘no.’ But now watching him last season and watching him this season, I would say definitely he would come into the Premier League and he would slot right in. He would get you goals, he would run behind defenders, he would stretch the team and I think this is what probably, when you look at a lot of the teams now in the Premier League, that’s what they’re looking for, a striker who can run, who wants to run behind the defenders because it helps your team. Doesn’t it? He stretches the defenders, the game becomes open and then you can create chances. And I think that’s what Victor (Osimhen) would definitely give you.
“I hope he comes to Chelsea. But from the noises that I hear, he is a big United fan. But I hope he comes to Chelsea really.”