John Obi Mikel, a former midfielder for the Super Eagles and Chelsea, has disclosed the reasons for the collapse of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen’s proposed transfer from Napoli to Chelsea on deadline day.

Punch Metro revealed that the 25-year-old, who was linked to The Blues and other suitors in France and Saudi Arabia, had strained relations with his Italian employers and had submitted a transfer request to quit the team just one year after leading Napoli to victory in Serie A with 26 goals, ending their 33-year league title drought. The Italian team became furious with the player.

The African Footballer of the Year winner came “very, very close” to joining Chelsea this summer, and Obi revealed why the move fell through in an interview with his podcast, Obi One.

The legendary Chelsea player refuted claims that his fellow countryman’s greed was the reason the transaction went through, despite having stated that Osimhen was the last missing piece at Stamford Bridge.

Mikel said: “I hear a lot of people saying this and saying that about Victor and how greedy he is, blah, blah, blah. ‘Take a pay cut and come to Chelsea’ blah, blah, blah, stuff like that.

“I know the kid. I know the boy. I just want to say that that is absolutely not true. Victor is not a greedy boy. He’s not a greedy guy; he only wants to get what he deserves and that’s not a problem.”

It was claimed during the transfer window that Osimhen requested an unusual £500,000 per week in wages. Chelsea was eager to have a striker, but they were unable to match these expectations. Mikel vehemently denied these accusations.

“No, he wasn’t asking for all this b******t,” Mikel asserted. “I know what happened; I was in the midst of everything. So I can tell everybody that is definitely not true.

“He just wants to play football and get what he deserves and that’s not a problem. A player knowing what he’s worth and demanding to be paid what he’s worth, that’s not a problem.

“Our negotiations were very, very close, but there were just some minor issues and small problems we couldn’t overcome. I know what the club offered him, and we had to reach a compromise. There were some small issues with paperwork, medicals, and other details that prevented us from finalizing the deal.”

Osimhen, In the meantime, agreed to a new £75 million release clause with Napoli and a January break-out from Galatasaray should a major club show interest in signing him. He then departed Napoli for Turkish Super Lig side Galatasaray on a season-long loan.