John Obi Mikel says he and Didier Drogba are messaging Serie A superstar about a possible transfer to Chelsea

Following Chelsea’s unsuccessful attempt at signing Samu Omorodion, the Blues have shifted their focus to Joao Felix and long-time target Victor Osimhen. Former Blues player John Obi Mikel has disclosed that he and Didier Drogba are working together to persuade Osimhen to move to London.

Chelsea are currently in a difficult situation after their deal with Atletico Madrid for Omorodion fell through. As a result, they not only missed out on signing a striker but Conor Gallagher’s transfer to Atletico Madrid for £36 million is also now in doubt.

The Blues have now turned their attention to Napoli’s Osimhen. However, reports suggest that Chelsea are interested in the Nigerian international only if Napoli agree to an initial loan deal.

Mikel, a fellow Nigerian, stated that he has been in talks with the player and will do his best to ensure that Chelsea becomes Osimhen’s "top priority."

"We don’t really need somebody who’s going to come in and be feeding and creating chances. We want somebody who can finish, score goals, the tap-ins. Someone like Erling Haaland. That’s something Victor Osimhen will bring to Chelsea."

"I hope that Chelsea fans will finally see him come to the club. I’ll make sure I send him those texts messages and calling, making sure Chelsea is his top priority! He seems like he loves the club. He seems like he wants to come to Chelsea," Mikel said (via football london).

Mikel praised Osimhen for his quality both on and off the pitch, expressing his belief that he would be an ideal signing for the club. He also said that Blues legend Didier Drogba is actively involved in efforts to persuade the Napoli star to join the five-time Premier League champions.

“Didier is also speaking to him and sharing his own ideas, 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 absolutely fantastic," Mikel added.

Although Osimhen has expressed his desire to leave the Italian side, the club will reportedly only sell the striker if his release clause of £110 million is paid. It will be interesting to see how the transfer develops, particularly with Romelu Lukaku also being linked to a move to Napoli.

Chelsea brace for a tough test in their opening Premier League game

Enzo Maresca and his team will now turn their attention to the Premier League after playing five pre-season friendlies. Defeats to Celtic, Manchester City, and Real Madrid would have disappointed Maresca, but the Blues showed improvement in their last game against Serie A champions Inter Milan (1-1).

Their next challenge will be a tough one, as they prepare to host the reigning champions, Manchester City, at Stamford Bridge for their opening Premier League match. Given their 4-2 defeat to City in the United States, this will be a formidable task, but Maresca will hope for a stronger performance from his players in front of their home supporters.

Following their first game, the Blues will play in the Conference League playoff clash on Wednesday, August 21, before traveling to face Wolves on Sunday, August 25.