Former Chelsea midfielder Mikel John Obi says he’s trying to make sure Arsenal target Victor Osimhen joins his old club instead.

Victor Osimhen has been linked with Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea in recent months, and former Chelsea midfielder Mikel John Obi has admitted he’s trying to get his fellow Nigerian to join the Blues.

“Let’s hope he [Victor Osimhen] goes to the Premier League,” Obi told Chris Wheatley for Shots!.

“I’m trying to make sure I broker that deal [to Chelsea]!”

Speaking about Osimhen’s situation, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis confirmed reports that the striker has a release clause, and that he’s wanted by a number of top clubs including Arsenal.

“Some players stay for many years, others are wanted by PSG, Arsenal, Man City, Chelsea…” De Laurentiis said (via Fabrizio Romano).

“It’s difficult to keep players when they are wanted by rich clubs.

“I can confirm there’s a release clause, a very high one.”

Arsenal and Chelsea have long been linked with a move for Osimhen, but the story took a turn earlier last month with the news of Paris Saint-Germain’s interest in the striker as a possible replacement for Kylian Mbappe.

David Ornstein reported that Osimhen features prominently on PSG’s list of candidates to replace Mbappe this summer, with the club already stepping up various discussions in January to be ready for the player’s potential departure.

Mbappe has informed PSG of his intention to leave, pushing the club into the market.

Ben Jacobs then claimed that Osimhen’s priority is the Premier League, and that Arsenal would be happy to pay Osimhen’s wage demands.

But it looks like former Chelsea star Mikel John Obi is going to try and push the player in another direction.