‘I thought my former club would get him’ — Emenalo reveals how close Osimhen was to joining Chelsea

Michael Emenalo told Chelsea and Super Eagles icon John Obi Mikel how close the Blues were to signing Victor Osimhen

Former Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo has shed light on how close Victor Osimhen was to joining Chelsea during the summer transfer window.

The Blues were in pursuit of the Nigerian striker, but the move ultimately fell through, and Emenalo, now the sporting director of the Saudi Pro League, shared these insights on a podcast with John Obi Mikel.

Chelsea's pursuit of Osimhen falls short

Chelsea had their eyes on Victor Osimhen throughout the summer, hoping to add him to their squad as a possible 12th summer signing.

Victor Osimhen to Chelsea did not happen

Senegalese striker Nicolas Jackson currently leads the line for the Blues, but Osimhen was seen as an upgrade and a priority target for the Blues.

However, things didn’t quite go as planned. Chelsea were unable to agree to a deal with Osimhen over a contract and Napoli over a transfer fee, and the move ultimately died.

While many believe that Osimhen’s move to Chelsea was close to fruition, Emenalo, who was the Blues’ director, revealed that there was more to it.

“I think maybe in some clubs’ minds and planning they thought they were close,” Emenalo told Mikel Obi on the ObiOne podcast.

Victor Osimhen || imago

“What being close means is different for me than for the clubs. For me, it’s close when the paperwork comes through my desk, and until that happens, it’s not close,” Emenalo continued.

Emenalo surprised at Osimhen outcome

While Chelsea’s interest was real, Osimhen ended up joining Galatasaray on loan after negotiations with the Blues stalled.

Despite the failed deal, the Nigerian striker’s talent remains undeniable, and Emenalo believed Chelsea had a good chance of landing him.

Emenalo expressed his surprise that Chelsea couldn’t finalise the deal, saying, “I thought my former club [Chelsea] would get him because he’s a terrific player,”

The failed summer pursuit doesn’t mean the end of Chelsea’s interest, however as rumors suggest that the Blues could still go after Osimhen in the future in the January transfer window.