John Obi Mikel makes Cristiano Ronaldo to Chelsea transfer claim: ‘We need him’
John Obi Mikel has detailed why he would like to see Chelsea sign Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of this summer’s Club World Cup.
The 40-year-old has scored 35 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions for Saudi Pro League outfit Al Nassr this season.
However, Stefano Pioli’s men are not competing in this summer’s Club World Cup, which could tempt him into a move away.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have been allocated a spot in the competition alongside fellow Premier League club Manchester City.
Obi Mikel urges Chelsea to sign Ronaldo
After winning the Conference League via their 4-1 victory over Real Betis in the final, Chelsea will be eager to add the Club World Cup to their accolades.
Meanwhile, speaking live on talkSPORT [3 June], Andy Goldstein asked Obi Mikel: “There are rumours suggesting Ronaldo somehow wants to gets into it (the Club World Cup). Your old club Chelsea, they need a number nine. Would you like to see Ronaldo turn out for Chelsea at this tournament?”
Mikel replied: “I’d like to, but obviously we think where he might be going.
“There’s this 10-day period of transfer window that opened, maybe just for the tournament for clubs to get one or two players into their teams to build a team for the Club World Cup tournament.”
He continued: “Do we need him at Chelsea? Of course we do, we need a number nine.”
Mikel was referencing reports that Ronaldo is a transfer target for Brazilian side Fluminense ahead of the Club World Cup.
Chelsea could sell Noni Madueke
While Obi Mikel has urged his former club to sign Ronaldo, the Stamford Bridge club appear unlikely to make a swoop for the Real Madrid legend.
| Cristiano Ronaldo stats | 2024/25 all competitions |
| Appearances | 41 |
| Goals | 35 |
| Assists | 4 |
However, as they strive to prepare themselves for next season’s Champions League, Enzo Maresca’s men are in for a busy summer transfer window.
Chelsea are closing in on Liam Delap, who proved his worth as a dangerous striker despite playing for an Ipswich Town side who suffered an immediate relegation back to the Championship.
Delap could add more firepower to Maresca’s ranks, and could make more appearances than fellow forward Nicolas Jackson for the West London club next term.
Meanwhile, Football Insider have exclusively revealed that Chelsea could sell Noni Madueke if they sign Borussia Dortmund star Jamie Gittens this summer.
Gittens notched 12 goals and three assists for Dortmund this term in 48 appearances across all competitions, and helped Niko Kovac’s men reach the Champions League quarter-finals.