Antonio Conte's Napoli suffered a 2-0 defeat in their final pre-season friendly against Genoa at the Patini Stadium in Castel di Sangro on Saturday evening. Despite the loss, the focus remains on the ongoing transfer saga surrounding Victor Osimhen.
The 25-year-old Nigeria international, who has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea, continues to train with Napoli but has not featured in any of their five pre-season friendlies this summer.
He was widely anticipated to leave Napoli during the summer of 2023, but he instead opted to extend his contract until June 2026, which includes a new release clause that would allow him to depart in 2024.
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The hefty £113 million ($145m) release clause has made it challenging for interested clubs to pursue him, as many are reluctant to meet such a high figure, especially alongside his wage demands. Nevertheless, Napoli is standing firm in their expectations.
Club president Aurelio De Laurentiis is reportedly open to considering offers around £85 million ($108m), but so far, no team has met that asking price, including Paris Saint-Germain, who have already agreed personal terms with the former Lille striker, as per Fabrizio Romano.
🚨🇳🇬 Victor Osimhen, not even called up for Napoli in their friendly game against Girona.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 3, 2024
Napoli and Osimhen’s camp keep working on solutions for Victor to leave…
…as Antonio Conte only wants Romelu Lukaku. pic.twitter.com/uuaaq8Gz0v
The Naples-based club is actively engaged in negotiations to facilitate his departure, with Chelsea now emerging as a potential suitor.
Osimhen was absent from Napoli's squad for their defeat against Genoa, further fueling speculation about his future. The Partenopei will officially kick off their season next weekend when they face Modena in the Coppa Italia on Saturday.
Earlier this week, reports surfaced suggesting that Chelsea and Napoli are in talks over a deal that would see Romelu Lukaku return to Italy on a permanent basis, while Osimhen would join Chelsea on a loan deal with an option to buy.
The Belgian striker has been deemed surplus to requirements by Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca for the upcoming season. Conte, who previously coached Lukaku at Inter Milan, has privately told Napoli that the Chelsea outcast is his top priority to replace Osimhen.