Gianfranco Zola slams Victor Osimhen over botched Chelsea move

In the final days of the summer transfer window, Chelsea reignited negotiations with Napoli concerning the acquisition of Osimhen. Despite their efforts, however, both clubs were unable to come to terms and secure the signing before the deadline.

The Nigeria international, who had been pushing to leave Napoli all summer, then went on to make the surprise move to Galatasaray on loan.

When asked for his view on Osimhen’s desire to leave this summer in comparison to Paulo Dybala’s decision turn down a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League in favour of staying at Roma, Zola told Corriere dello Sport: ‘One is a beautiful story and the other a little less so.

‘Dybala chose with his heart and not with his wallet.

‘But I don’t want to judge, everyone is free to make their own choices.

‘Of course, Paulo’s story is one of those that fills the hearts of those who love football.’

But speaking earlier this week, former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel dismissed claims that Osimhen’s failed switch to Stamford Bridge was due to financial issues.

‘Victor has come under a lot of criticism about this because people don’t know the ins and outs of what happened. You need to know that before you criticise the kid,’ Obi Mikel said.

‘Victor really, really wanted to come to the club and he had to compromise a lot to come to the middle because we did reach an agreement in terms of the salary, in terms of what he wants, it was just a few minor details here and there that we couldn’t get over the line.

‘For me, hearing all that nonsense about Victor being greedy, a lot of people talking down about him. No, I think it’s time, especially Nigerians, support him, it’s time people around him, friends, Nigerian fans, get behind him and support him.

‘Like I said, if we have to pick it back up again, if there is interest come January, Chelsea still want Victor and Victor still wants to come to Chelsea, we know exactly where we are. It’s not a matter of it being difficult, we’re just going to get the deal done.’

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