Mikel wants Osimhen in Chelsea as Arsenal plans to offer Gabriele Jesus and cash for Eagles star

With Napoli striker Victor

Osimhen's long-term future at the club uncertain former Super Eagles captain, Mikel Obi has urged the striker to dump the Serie A club for Chelsea.

Mikel who won all the major trophies in European Football League at Chelsea says he hopes Osimhen will ‘one day’ join his former side, Chelsea FC.

The Chelsea legend stated in an episode of The Obi One podcast that Osimhen has all the tools to succeed in the Premier League.

He said, “I hope you come to Chelsea. But from the noises that I hear, he is a big United. But I hope he comes to Chelsea really.

“I think he [Victor Osimhen] does slot seamlessly into the Premier League. He got the tools to be a success in England,” Mikel said in the latest episode of The Obi One podcast.

“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, and 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 then it helps your team? Doesn’t it? He stretches the defenders, the game becomes open, and then you can create chances. “

 Meanwhile, Arsenal might be able to land with Napoli reportedly targeting Gabriel Jesus. It is claimed that the reigning Serie A champions have identified Jesus as part of a three-man shortlist to replace Osimhen if the Nigerian departs.

Osimhen is yet to decide on signing a new contract with the Napoli outfit. The 24-year-old has just two years remaining on his current deal.

A failure to convince the 24-year-old to pen fresh terms before next season could risk Napoli seeing him run down his contract in its final year. The Italian giants would then lose one of their most lucrative assets for free.

But they might be able to complete a stunning swap deal with Arsenal after their three-man shortlist emerged. According to Italian publication Calciomercato, Arsenal star Jesus has been earmarked as a possible replacement for Osimhen, alongside Atletico Madrid’s Alvaro Morata and Lille’s Jonathan David.

But Napoli do not need to worry about their other targets as they could offer Osimhen in a player-exchange deal for Jesus instead. Arsenal are desperate to sign an elite centre-forward having seen their attackers struggle in front of goal over the last few years.

Osimhen would be a major upgrade to Arsenal’s current options for the position. Jesus’s inconsistent form and injuries since his £45m switch from Manchester City in 2022 has frustrated fans. Eddie Nketiah has also struggled for regular goals when he has been given opportunities.