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Osimhen: Saudi Arabian clubs tempted me with huge money but I fear my career

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has left the door ajar for a potential move to the Premier League after John Obi Mikel urged him to join Chelsea.

The Nigeria international scored 26 goals in 32 Serie A appearances last term as Napoli won the Scudetto for the first time in 33 years and he’s followed that up by bagging six goals in eight league outings this term.

His brilliant performances and goalscoring ability has seen him linked with a number of clubs around Europe, including Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea.

The 24-year-old is unlikely to be on the move in January with Napoli sporting director Mauro Meluso recently dismissing the chance of any of their top players leaving in the middle of the season.

Chelsea had been struggling to convert their chances in the earlier stages of the season but they’ve now scored a combined 14 goals in their last five Premier League fixtures.

But former Blues midfielder Mikel believes they are still lacking a striker like Osimhen – who is one of the most valuable players in the world – with the former Nigeria international urging his compatriot to move to Stamford Bridge.

“We’re crying out for him,” Mikel said on The Obi One Podcast.

“You look at our Chelsea team, we’re not playing that great at the minute but then we lack goals, we lack a striker who can run into spaces, who can create.

“I was watching Darwin Nunez for Liverpool, he had about 11 shots and all the runs he made, he created those chances by himself because he was running in behind.

“That’s something Victor will give us at Chelsea, a striker who is really willing to run behind, obviously those passes will come through and he will get goals.

“I think we’re crying out for goals, if he comes to Chelsea I think it will suit him really well because we don’t have anyone doing that right now so there’s not going to be too much pressure on him coming into the club because obviously we need that, we’re crying out for that.

“You know, my advice is for him to come to Chelsea.”

Osimhen, who was a guest on Mikel’s podcast, hinted that he would only move to another European club if he left Napoli after rejecting a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal over the summer.

When asked if he wants to carry on playing in Europe, Osimhen said on The Obi One Podcast: “Of course.

“What was said was true, I had talks, in August that week was a huge one, a huge decision for me to take, but I actually put it in God’s hands.

“But the more I said no to these people [in Saudi Arabia] the more they increased it and increased it, it was literally like, ‘wow’, seeing these things.

“I spoke with the people in charge and we spoke about it with my club and we saw what we could do, we decided, me and them and I told them, ‘I like these people, I want to stay, I don’t think I want to leave for now’. They understand where I’m coming from but they never gave up until their own transfer window [closed].

“I said to them even before we played the first game of the season, ‘it’s done’, I really didn’t want to go back thinking, of course it’s a huge one, an amazing one that’s going to change my life but of course I had to make the decision that’s good for my career too.

“As much as we play football for money there’s more that comes with it.”

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Transfers

PSG Ready To Hand Bukayo Saka Injury Solution To Arsenal With Transfer Proposal

Bukayo Saka Update Emerges After He Went Off Injured Against Crystal Palace On Saturday

Paris Saint-Germain are likely to offer Arsenal the chance to sign out-of-favour forward Randal Kolo Muani.

Arsenal have been hit with the news that star man Bukayo Saka will be ruled out for ‘many weeks’ with a hamstring tear and are weighing up whether to find a solution to his absence in the January transfer window. Saka, 23, has played the fourth-highest amount of minutes among Arsenal’s outfielders this season and the Gunners don’t have a natural right winger to replace him with.

His injury has given Mikel Arteta a dilemma as the winter window nears but PSG could have the answer to his problem in the shape of Randal Kolo Muani. The 26-year-old was signed for £64.2m in the summer of 2023, having shone for Eintracht Frankfurt, when he attracted interest from Manchester United. Kolo Muani was expected to play a larger role under Luis Enrique following the departure of Kylian Mbappe, but he’s only started two matches in Ligue 1 this season and played just 28 minutes of football in the last month.

The France international has now been made available on loan, despite being under contract until 2028, and the Evening Standard report that the French champions will offer him to a number of clubs in January, including Arsenal.

Saka’s absence has been compounded by an injury Raheem Sterling, who would’ve been in contention to replace him in the Gunners’ starting line-up against Ipswich Town on Boxing Day. Asked about the prospect of signing a replacement for Saka next month, Arteta insisted that his focus is on players who are already at the club.

“My focus honestly now is just about within the squad the resources we have to be as competitive as we possibly can,” the Arsenal manager said. “We have many, many options to do that. And if something unbelievable [becomes] available and if the club is willing to do it, we’ll have to consider it.”

The France international has now been made available on loan, despite being under contract until 2028, and the Evening Standard report that the French champions will offer him to a number of clubs in January, including Arsenal.

Saka’s absence has been compounded by an injury Raheem Sterling, who would’ve been in contention to replace him in the Gunners’ starting line-up against Ipswich Town on Boxing Day. Asked about the prospect of signing a replacement for Saka next month, Arteta insisted that his focus is on players who are already at the club.

“My focus honestly now is just about within the squad the resources we have to be as competitive as we possibly can,” the Arsenal manager said. “We have many, many options to do that. And if something unbelievable [becomes] available and if the club is willing to do it, we’ll have to consider it.”

“Obviously we didn’t predict a situation with Bukayo and Raheem at the same time. We predicted more it would be something else, for example if something happened in the defensive line, but the job is done.

“Then, okay, if something has to happen, we will be open. But the main focus is now, how will we extract still a lot of potential that there is in this squad.”

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Transfers

After Alex Iwobi, Nigerian Forward Wanted By Girona Spread Christmas Joy With Acts Of Kindness

After Alex Iwobi, Nigerian Forward Wanted By Girona Spread Christmas Joy With Acts Of Kindness

Arokodare, alongside his Genk teammate Noah Adedeji, participated in an initiative with Vincentius, a local charity in Genk, to distribute food parcels to families in need during the festive period.

The Nigerian forward, who has netted 11 goals for Genk this season, played an active role in packaging fresh meals for the Christmas holidays.

Sint-Vincentius Genk Zutendaal, which distributes an impressive 20 tonnes of food monthly and even more during the holidays, welcomed the players’ helping hands.

Reflecting on his faith and motivations, Arokodare said:

“Praying relaxes me, inspires me, gives me confidence and a feeling of protection. I pray in the morning, evening, and before every match, asking for protection for all the players and fans of both teams.”

The gesture was part of Genk’s broader Christmas celebrations and provided a heartwarming connection between the players and their community.

Families who benefitted from the initiative expressed their gratitude, while the event brought smiles to many faces, both young and old.

Girona’s Interest in Arokodare
Arokodare’s on-field success has not gone unnoticed.

Reports indicate that Spanish club Girona are keen on signing the 24-year-old, with Genk valuing him at around €7 million.

The striker, also on the radar of Turkish giants Galatasaray, has proven to be a dominant force in Belgium and is now attracting interest from across Europe.

Alex Iwobi Joins Festive Charity Efforts
Arokodare is not the only Nigerian footballer spreading holiday cheer.

Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has opened a London-based shop, “AleXpress,” where families in need can collect free food for Christmas dinner.

“We want to create a place where families can get what they need,” said Iwobi.

“If I can help them have a peaceful Christmas, why not do it? I grew up watching my parents help others, and their example inspired me.”

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Transfers

17-Year-Old Nigeria-Eligible Defender Pens Professional Deal With Chelsea

17-Year-Old Nigeria-Eligible Defender Pens Professional Deal With Chelsea

The Eastbourne-born England defender recently turned 17 five days ago, and was given a professional contract by the Blues as a birthday present after joining from the Brighton and Hove Albion U-12 team a few years back.

Tayo started his career as a midfielder, but moved back to play central defence as he matured and has been a standout performer for the Chelsea U-18 squad, specifically known for his ability to command his teammates and play out from back with excellence.

Subuloye has represented England at the U-18 level, making his debut in October 2024, but is eligible to represent Nigeria. However, if he’ll be open to representing the Super Eagles of Nigeria is currently unknown at the moment.

“His performances this season have earned him recognition, and he is expected to play a significant role in Chelsea’s future defensive plans. Keep an eye on this rising star.

He is a talented footballer who is comfortable playing in various positions and adapts well to any intense situation,” Chelsea’s official website read after Subuloye penned his new deal.

The lanky defender was heavily involved in Chelsea’s U-16 Premier League campaign, captaining the side to the national final. He was also an important member of the U-17 side that won the League Cup before getting an invitation to the club’s U-18 side.

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