“If they sign him i promise Chelsea will win the PL” – John Obi Mikel says Chelsea could’ve won the Premier League if they’d signed one player in open transfer window
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Not long ago, Chelsea were viewed as genuine title contenders in the Premier League. However, a poor run of form has abruptly ended such discussions.
A Slide Down the Table
While Liverpool surge ahead as title favorites, Chelsea have faltered in recent weeks. The Blues were once hot on Liverpool’s heels, displaying strong momentum. However, a dismal run of two draws and two defeats in their last four league matches has seen them slip down the standings. The focus for Enzo Maresca’s side has now shifted to securing a top-four finish and aiming for success in the Conference League.
Despite a promising first half of the season, it’s clear there is still significant work to be done at Stamford Bridge.
Mikel: Chelsea Need a Proven Striker
Former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel believes the team’s decline could have been avoided with the signing of a high-profile No.9 during the summer. Speaking on his podcast, Mikel pointed to Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen and Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyökeres as the kind of clinical finishers Chelsea are missing.
Mikel said, “He’s [Nicolas Jackson] not scoring enough. If we had Victor Osimhen or Viktor Gyökeres, I think, trust me, we would have still been competing to win the Premier League.”
Both Osimhen and Gyökeres have been linked with Chelsea in the past. However, Osimhen appears to favor a move to Manchester United, while Gyökeres reportedly has his sights set on the same club.
Jackson vs. the Alternatives
The numbers this season tell the story. Nicolas Jackson has struggled to match the efficiency in front of goal displayed by Osimhen and Gyökeres. While the latter two are scoring freely in Turkey and Portugal, respectively, Jackson has faced criticism for his finishing in England.
That said, it’s important to note Jackson’s age—at 23, he is three years younger than the 26-year-old duo. His all-around contributions to Chelsea’s play also make him a valuable asset, even if his goal-scoring remains inconsistent.
Striker Dilemma: Immediate Fix vs. Long-Term Growth
Mikel’s comments highlight a significant issue for Chelsea: the lack of a natural finisher to turn possession and chances into goals. However, bringing in a new striker would pose a challenge. Jackson’s influence on the team goes beyond scoring, and any incoming forward would need to earn their spot in Maresca’s XI.
As Chelsea look to rebound from their recent slump, the question remains whether the club will address their striking woes in January—or place their faith in Jackson to develop into the player they need him to be.
