‘I have said it so many times’ - Mikel Obi slams Chelsea for not signing Donnarumma
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Mikel Obi slams Chelsea || Imago

‘I have said it so many times’ - Mikel Obi slams Chelsea for not signing Donnarumma

Stephen Oladehinde 13:46 - 26.09.2025

Former Nigeria international John Obi Mikel has criticised Chelsea's transfer strategy, after failing to make a move for Gianluigi Donnarumma in the summer.

Manchester City secured the Italian goalkeeper from Paris Saint-Germain on a five-year contract on the final day of the summer transfer window. 

Donnarumma, who recently won the 2025 Yashin Trophy for the world's best goalkeeper, has kept two clean sheets in his first three appearances for his new club.

His move to City has angered the Chelsea legend, who claimed the club needs a new goalkeeper after several mistakes from Robert Sanchez.

Mikel blasts Chelsea 

Mikel believes Chelsea's failure to recruit an elite goalkeeper could hinder their Premier League title ambitions this season.

Former Chelsea midfielder Mikel John Obi (Credit: Imago)
Former Chelsea midfielder Mikel John Obi (Credit: Imago)

"I have said it so many times. We should have brought in a top goalkeeper during the transfer window," Mikel stated on The Obi One Podcast. 

"We see what Donnarumma is doing now at Manchester City; he was the goalkeeper that was out there. I know there has been a lot of talk about the wage structure, but you can find a way around that. 

“He's a top goalkeeper, 26 years of age. You could have found a way to make him fit into the wage structure. It's going to be incredibly hard for us to win the Premier League with the goalkeeper that we have right now."

Gianluigi Donnarumma, © IMAGO
Gianluigi Donnarumma, © IMAGO

Chelsea were reportedly in the market for a new goalkeeper over the summer, but a potential deal for AC Milan's Mike Maignan did not materialise. 

The London club may renew their interest next summer when the Frenchman is expected to become a free agent.