Chelsea legend gives insider transfer update on £112m target Victor Osimhem

Chelsea legend Mikel John Obi has admitted he is 'convinced' that Napoli striker Victor Osimhen wants to make the move to Chelsea and admitted that he is trying to 'broker' the deal himself.

The midfielder racked up 372 appearances for the Blues and played 89 times for the Nigerian national team over an illustrious career. Mikel has a relationship with talisman and compatriot Osimhen, having previously welcomed the star onto his podcast to talk about his future.

Speaking to LondonWorld at the Web Summit in Doha, Mikel was asked where he believes the Napoli player could end up this summer amid transfer interest from Chelsea and Arsenal over a £112 million move. He said: "I have absolutely no idea. There are so many stories around Victor.

"For him, it must be a joy to have these big clubs wanting your service. He must be rubbing his hands. He has done really well for Napoli but needs to take the next step and go to a club where he can challenge for the Champions League and Premier League.

"Let's hope he comes to the Premier League, I hope to Chelsea. I'm trying to make sure I broker that deal!"

Watch - Mikel John Obi exclusive: Gary Neville response, Pochettino future and Osimhen talks

The former midfielder was also quoted saying he was 'convinced' that Osimhen wants the move to Stamford Bridge. Calciomercato reported that Mikel said: “I think there is genuine interest on both sides. I’m convinced that Victor wants to come to Chelsea, obviously, he wants to follow in my footsteps and the Nigerian players who played for Chelsea, such as Victor Moses, Celestine Babayaro.

“He also has many clubs interested in him, such as PSG, Manchester United, but I am pushing, sending him messages, trying to make sure that there is only one club in his mind: the Blues!”

Mikel, who won two Premier League titles, four FA Cup trophies and a Champions League while at Chelsea, watched Mauricio Pochettino's side suffer defeat at the hands of Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final at the end of February. He said: "It was a great opportunity for us to get to the final. That's where we belong. We have always competed to win trophies and it's where Chelsea belong.

"It's a shame we didn't win, that would have brought a lot of confidence to the team and inspired the players to know what it's like to play for Chelsea. We're not just there for the name. We are there to compete and win trophies."