CHELSEA legend John Obi Mikel claims Victor Osimhen remains “very, very close” to joining the club.
The 25-year-old was heavily linked with a move from Napoli to Stamford Bridge over the summer.
But the switch failed to materialise and after he was left out of the Italian side’s squad, he joined Galatasaray on loan until the end of the season.
However, the transfer saga is not over yet as Mikel hinted that Osimhen could still join Chelsea.
The retired icon, who knows the striker from their days together in the Nigeria team and was involved in talks, told his podcast: “We were very, very close to getting this deal done.
“But it was just slight issues, slight little problems that we just couldn’t get over the line.
“I know what Victor wanted, I know what the club offered him, I know where we got to.
“We finally got to a compromise. Both sides had to compromise – paperwork, medical and a few issues that we just couldn’t get over the line and then we didn’t have much time.
“I think both sides really played their part in terms of getting the deal done and I commend Chelsea for that because I could see the ambition of where they can take this club.
“Also on Victor’s side, I think we have to pick this up again. Whatever it is, January or next summer.
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“We know where we are, we know where we’ve stopped and it’s just little details that need to be finalised and the deal will be done.
“So for me, the club is in a very happy place with Victor and he is in a very happy place.”
Mikel said playing in the Premier League is Osimhen’s dream.
But SunSport revealed that the player’s astonishing £500,000-a-week wage demands held up the deal.
It would make Osimhen, who has a £110million release clause in his Napoli contract, the highest paid player in the Prem.
Mikel said: “Victor is not a greedy boy. He’s not a greedy guy.
“He just wants to play football and get what he deserves and that’s not a problem.
“A player knowing what he’s worth and demanding to be paid what he what he’s worth, that’s not a problem.”
