Former Super Eagles captain, John Obi Mikel, has disclosed his efforts to persuade Victor Osimhen to consider joining Chelsea instead of PSG or Manchester United.
Osimhen purportedly extended his contract with the Italian club in December, committing to stay until 2026. Sky Sports Italy reported that the 25-year-old now possesses a release clause in his contract valued between £104 million and £113 million.
With Chelsea among the clubs expressing interest in signing him, Mikel revealed that he has encouraged Osimhen to reject offers from PSG and Manchester United and follow his path to join the London-based club.
“I believe there is genuine interest on both sides,” Mikel expressed to Ben Jacobs at the Web Summit Qatar when asked about the possibility of Osimhen moving to Chelsea.
‘I think he loves the club, he wants to come to the club.
‘Obviously, he wants to follow my footsteps as a Nigerian player who has played for Chelsea – Victor Moses, Celestine Babayaro, not a lot of us.
The Chelsea legend also joked: ‘I’m still Osimhen’s agent, trying to get him to Chelsea! I’ve got 20 per cent of that deal, so I hope it works out!’
Mikel, who won 89 caps for Nigeria during his playing career, moved to Chelsea in 2006 from Norwegian side Lyn. The defensive midfielder would go on to make 372 matches across all competitions for the Blues, winning two Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the Champions League in 2012.