The potential departure of Victor Osimhen from Napoli continues to be a drawn-out affair, with the Nigerian striker set to miss yet another pre-season friendly. As the team prepares for their fourth summer test match, the second at Castel di Sangro, Osimhen will once again be watching from the sidelines, making way for Cheddira and Simeone to lead the attack.
TMW report that coach Antonio Conte, hopeful that this could be the decisive week for the much-anticipated swap between Osimhen and his trusted striker Romelu Lukaku, finds himself in a challenging position. While the on-field work and initial tests are progressing well, with the team already showing signs of adapting to the coach’s ideas and character, the transfer market is moving slowly for all positions and targets, particularly for the summer’s most crucial operation.
A New Chapter in the Saga
With negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain halted due to disagreements over figures and counterparts, reports from England have reignited Chelsea’s interest in Osimhen. The London club had previously shown interest last summer and is currently in talks with Napoli regarding Lukaku’s acquisition.
Napoli, having already reached an agreement with the Belgian striker, would be ready to include him in the deal. However, Chelsea, like PSG, is reluctant to pay the full release clause for Osimhen. Moreover, the Blues would first need to reach an agreement on Osimhen’s wages, as PSG had done.
De Laurentiis’ club finds itself navigating a complex situation, with the path to Osimhen’s departure still long and far from straightforward. As the pre-season progresses and the transfer window inches closer to its conclusion, all eyes remain on how this high-profile saga will unfold.
