Former Super Eagles and Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi has denied reports that Victor Osimhen’s wage demand was the reason the deal with the English side fell through.

Chelsea made a last-minute effort to sign the Super Eagles forward during the final hours of the summer transfer window, but the Premier League side could not finalise the deal.

According to reports, Napoli had accepted an €80 million ($88.5 million) offer from Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli on deadline day, but Osimhen expressed doubts about leaving European football.

Mikel revealed that the transfer was just ‘hours away’ from being finalized and that the forward was ‘disappointed’ when the move fell through.

He commended Chelsea for their ambition and Victor’s desire to come to the club.

Mikel dismissed reports of issues between Osimhen and Chelsea over the failed transfer, stating that the club is in a happy place with Victor and that he knows what he can bring to the club.