Super Eagles great lands in Istanbul to convince Osimhen to join Chelsea amid Arsenal, Man United interest

Former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel has landed in Istanbul for discussions with Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen, who continues to attract intense transfer interest, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Galatasaray striker, currently on loan from Napoli, has been linked with Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea ahead of the January transfer deadline.

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Mikel, who remains a passionate advocate for Chelsea, has been vocal about his desire to see Osimhen don the Blues jersey.

Ülkemizde eskiden Trabzon’da top oynamış Obi Mikel, Galatasaray antrenmanına memleketlisi Osimhen’i ziyaret etmek için geliyor.

Yanında kim var dersiniz ? Tabii ki GİRESUNLU, Titanik otelleri sahibi, eski GİRESUNSPOR asbaşkanı Muzaffer Aygün

Vah GİRESUN’UM vah..#Giresunspor pic.twitter.com/A40XP3mMnM

— Ali Oğuzhan Keleşoğlu (@AliOguzhanKeles) January 20, 2025

The former Super Eagles captain was spotted at Galatasaray’s Florya Metin Oktay training facility, where he interacted with Osimhen and met key figures within the club, including former Giresunspor vice president Muzaffer Aygun and the owner of Titanic Hotels.

Speaking to Football Italia, Mikel reaffirmed his mission, saying:

“I hope that Chelsea fans will finally see him come to the club. I’ll make sure I send him those text messages and calls, making sure Chelsea is his top priority.

“Didier [Drogba] is also speaking to him, sharing his ideas and what the club means to us. We all want to see Victor come to the club. If it happens, it happens.

“It’s a huge transfer fee, but if we can match it and get him to the club, that would be fantastic.”

Mikel Obi at Galatasaray’s training ground.

Link up with Victor Osimhen pic.twitter.com/AiKapvBzp3

— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) January 20, 2025

This is not the first time Chelsea’s legends have rallied for Osimhen’s signature. Both Mikel and Didier Drogba were involved last summer when a potential move to Stamford Bridge fell through in the final hours of the transfer window.

Reports suggest Arsenal are actively exploring ways to secure the 26-year-old’s services after Manchester United’s £59 million bid was rejected.

Despite the interest, Osimhen has expressed his commitment to completing his loan spell with Galatasaray, though his exit clause remains a key talking point.

Napoli officials have also attempted to secure the striker’s long-term commitment, but their efforts have been unsuccessful so far. Turkish journalist Kagan Dursun revealed that United’s bid was part of a broader attempt by top European clubs to acquire Osimhen.

With Nicolas Jackson struggling to impress at Chelsea, Mikel’s visit could be pivotal in tipping the scales for the Nigerian star to consider the London club over its Premier League rivals.