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 defeat, attention remains focused 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 expected to leave Napoli during the summer of 2023 but instead opted to extend his contract until June 2026, which includes a new release clause that would allow him to leave in 2024.
The high release clause of £113 million ($145 million) has made it difficult for interested clubs to sign him, with many reluctant to accept such a high fee, especially given his wage demands. However, Napoli remain steadfast in their expectations.
Club president Aurelio De Laurentiis is reportedly open to considering offers of around £85 million (US$108 million) 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.
??? Victor Osimhen was not even called up by Napoli for the friendly match against Girona.
Napoli and Osimhen’s entourage continue to work on solutions for Victor’s departure…
…since Antonio Conte only wants Romelu Lukaku. photo.twitter.com/uuaaq8Gz0v
—Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 3, 2024
The Naples-based club are actively engaged in negotiations to facilitate his exit, with Chelsea now emerging as a potential suitor.
The Nigerian striker was not in Napoli’s squad for the defeat to Genoa, further fuelling speculation over his future. The Partenopei will officially begin their season next weekend when they face Modena in the Coppa Italia on Saturday.
Earlier this week, reports emerged suggesting that Chelsea and Napoli are in talks over a deal that would see Romelu Lukaku return to Italy permanently, while Osimhen would join Chelsea on a loan deal with an option to buy.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has deemed the Belgian striker not needed for next season. Conte, who previously coached Lukaku at Inter Milan, has privately told Napoli that the Chelsea outcast is his top priority to replace Victor Osimhen.