'I don’t think': Mikel Obi has just given his honest opinion about Chelsea spending £73.5m on two defenders

Former Chelsea midfielder Mikel John Obi says Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi are not what the club needs at the moment even though they cost a combined £73.5m. Chelsea signed the promising Disasi for £38.5million last summer while his partner at club and country came for £35million in January 2023. 

Both were players who fit into what the owners say is the new project and wage bill. Players who could go on to be absolute superstars. But after a full season, injuries and inconsistent form have meant the club has missed out on Champions League Football while the duo were also snubbed for France’s Euro squad. 

Speaking about Chelsea's direction and business under the new owners on his podcast, The Obi One Podcast, the former Chelsea and Nigeria midfielder said: “I don’t think Benoit Badiashile is the guy for Chelsea, No. Axel Disasi, no. They’re still young players, they will develop. 

“We need proven, two top centre-backs who will come in there and stabilise that back four. We need that.“

Chelsea have spent almost £1billion in the last two transfer windows but they're determined to strengthen the team again this summer having narrowly missed out on their target of securing Champions League football.

They did get Europa Conference league and have changed managers again with Mauricio Pochettino replaced with Italian Enzo Maresca. The former Leicester City manager has been handed a five-year deal with an option for another year in a show of trust and faith, unlike his predecessor who was given only a two-year deal. 

On the transfer front, the club have also named their price for midfielder Conor Gallagher who was one of the top performers under Pochettino. Gallagher though has hinted he wants to stay at the club by saying he was looking forward to working with the new boss.