Former Italian champions, Napoli, left Super Eagles’ striker, Victor Osimhen, out of their pre-season squad despite the seeming lack of interest from suitors, reports sportsmole.com.
Osimhen has been linked with a move to one of Arsenal, PSG, Manchester United and Chelsea, but none of these clubs have made any move to sign the Nigerian.
The 25-year-old has been a revelation for the Naples-based club over the past two years, helping them to their first Serie A title this century during the 2022-23 term.
Napoli were unable to make it back-to-back Italian crowns during the 2023-24 campaign, although Osimhen continued to shine on the domestic and continental stage.
The former Lille marksman bagged 15 goals and provided three assists in 25 Serie A contests last term, as well as, two strikes in the Champions League.
Osimhen did not play for Nigeria during the June international window, meaning that his most recent match was the goalless draw with Lecce on the final day of the Serie A season on May 26.
Napoli continued their pre-season preparations with a four-goal success over Albanian side Egnatia, on Sunday afternoon, when the Italians were deserved victors.
Although supporters will be content with the result, there will be understandable concerns following the omission of leading marksman, Osimhen.
According to The Standard, it is understood that there is an agreement in place for the Nigerian to leave Naples this summer should an appropriate offer come in from a potential suitor.
Signing a three-year deal at Napoli earlier in the summer, Antonio Conte is now in charge at the 2022-23 Serie A champions and will be looking to replicate Luciano Spalletti’s success.
In the knowledge that Osimhen is on his way out, it is believed that the former Chelsea boss wishes to reunite with Blues striker, Romelu Lukaku.
Despite Osimhen’s omission from the Napoli friendly representing a potential exit is imminent, it is hard to see either Arsenal or Chelsea securing his services in the near future.
Both the Gunners and the Blues are unwilling to activate the striker’s £113m release clause, with Mikel Arteta’s side targeting reinforcements at centre-back and in midfield.
Man United have already sealed the signature of Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna this summer, meaning that it is difficult to envisage the Red Devils completing another marquee attacking signing.
A likely destination for Osimhen could be Paris Saint-Germain, who are in the market for a new posterboy and superstar following the exit of Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid.
