Victor Osimhen was left out of Napoli’s squad for their preseason friendly against KF Egnatia on Sunday night, according to manager Antonio Conte.
The Nigerian international has been heavily linked to leaving the team this summer, and Conte has already said that the team has decided to allow the striker to go for the correct price.
“I will be witnessing a completely different situation, and I am aware that there are agreements with the club,” he remarked.
“If you inquire about the player, he is a very good player, but due to prior agreements, I am unable to discuss Osimhen with you.”
Romelu Lukaku, the former manager of Chelsea and Tottenham, is eager to work with Conte again after the former manager of Chelsea and Spurs signed a three-year contract with the Naples giants earlier this summer. Lukaku excelled under Conte’s guidance at Inter Milan.
Osmihen has long been a target for the Blues, but they have no intention of paying his £113 million release clause. Meanwhile, Arsenal has been linked to a deal as they look to add a new striker.
Although the Gunners are eager to add a forward this summer, they will move more quickly to bring in a new midfield player once their £40 million deal for Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori is finalized.
In contrast, Paris Saint-Germain is strongly favored to be the 25-year-old’s final destination as they attempt to replace Kylian Mbappe, who left to join Real Madrid on a free transfer.
Osimhen told Sky Sports in January that he would “of course one day, definitely” like to play in the Premier League at some point in his career.
