Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has strongly criticised the club’s summer transfer decisions, arguing that manager Enzo Maresca erred by not signing Victor Osimhen. Mikel labelled the current striker situation a “disaster” and suggested Maresca’s job may be on the line without a proven goalscorer .
Despite interest from Maresca’s staff and fans including Jason Cundy, who described Osimhen as the “type of guy that will throw himself at balls he’s not favoured to win” Chelsea ultimately failed to agree personal terms after Osimhen reportedly demanded a salary above their wage structure, leading the club to walk away.
Maresca defended the decision, stating: “We want players on our terms… If the player isn’t here, it means conditions weren’t good for us. We’ll see in January”.
Editorial
We share Mikel’s concerns. Chelsea are paying the price for indecision. Without a reliable goalscorer like Osimhen or a long-term plan, Maresca’s tactical system lacks backbone. Fans crave consistent finishing Jordan (Jackson) has spark but not presence and that can’t be patched with hope.
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We believe the true takeaway is in planning: you don’t build a front three by default you design it. Whether Chelsea chase Osimhen come January or commit to alternative targets, there must be clarity. It’s not just about name, but fit someone who complements host and system.
Equally, Maresca and the board should reassess how they approach wage structures. If the next striker costs extra, the club needs to create room. Not to inflate recklessly, but to connect ambition with responsibility. This is the squad’s moment to match standards with actions not shortlist choices with excuses.
Did You Know?
- Mikel warned Maresca’s position was in jeopardy due to scoring woes, saying that under Roman Abramovich, the “helicopter would have landed by now”
- Osimhen reportedly demands around £650k/week, significantly above the £250k/week Chelsea were offering .
- Expr Jason Cundy praised Osimhen for his style: “he’ll throw himself at balls he’s not favoured to win”.
- Enzo Maresca refused to enter a bidding war, stating the club must sign “players on our terms,” not short of clarity.
- Defender Afari added that Osimhen “just seems more like a Chelsea striker” than Sporting’s Gyökeres
