Chelsea fans want Osimhen not Delap - Super Eagles legend blasts Maresca

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel believes the club's recent £30 million signing of Liam Delap has not satisfied the Stamford Bridge faithful, who were hoping for a different striker to arrive this summer.

Delap made his Chelsea debut in the Club World Cup opener against LAFC on Monday evening, even recording an assist in the 2-0 win.

Speaking on DAZN's coverage of Chelsea's 2-0 victory over Los Angeles FC in their FIFA Club World Cup opener on Monday, the former Super Eagles captain suggested that Nigerian compatriot Victor Osimhen was the popular choice among fans.

"We need someone to come in, score goals and finish those chances," said Mikel.

Mikel who amassed over 200 appearances for Chelsea during his illustrious career at Stamford Bridge added that the fans wanted Osimhen.

He added, "Obviously, he [Delap] isn't the guy the fans wanted. We know who the fans wanted. The fans wanted Victor Osimhen to come to the club but he didn't."

Mikel acknowledged the club's decision to bring in the 22-year-old Delap, who recently joined Chelsea from Ipswich in a £30 million move.

"Obviously the club decided to go with Delap. He's young, he's gonna get better.

"Hopefully he hits the ground running and then he's gonna quieten those doubters. I wish him well, I hope he succeeds at this club. I think he can. The runs I saw today, running behind defenders, I think he can be the guy to finish those chances," Mikel added.

Rumours linking Napoli's Victor Osimhen with a move to Chelsea have been persistent, with many reports suggesting Chelsea's strong interest.

However, the complexities surrounding his high transfer fee and competition from other top clubs, including Galatasaray, appear to have led Chelsea to explore alternative options, culminating in the signing of Delap.