Nigeria Players Abroad
Rumour Mills: Lukaku could replace Victor Osimhen at Napoli
By Monsurah Olatunji
New Napoli coach Antonio Conte is preparing for a season without reigning African Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, as he identifies Romelu Lukaku as a primary target for the upcoming season.
Conte, appointed as Napoli boss on June 5, signed a three-year contract set to begin on July 1. Osimhen has become one of the most sought-after strikers in the world after helping Napoli win their first Scudetto title in 33 years, finishing as Serie A top scorer with 26 goals.
The 25-year-old Super Eagles star, who signed a new contract with Napoli in December with a €120-130 million release clause, hopes it will be activated this summer as he looks for a new adventure after a positive four-year spell on the Campania coast.
One of Osimhen’s potential replacements at the Diego Maradona Stadium is Chelsea-owned Romelu Lukaku. According to The Standard, Chelsea are willing to sell Lukaku for a fee of £38 million this summer.
However, a deal for the Chelsea striker can’t be finalized until Osimhen is sold, putting negotiations on hold.
Lukaku and Conte worked well together at Inter Milan, winning the Scudetto in 2021, and the manager has not dismissed speculations that Napoli are looking to sign the Belgian forward.
“As for Romelu Lukaku, we’re talking about a strong player, as with Osimhen we’re talking about excellent players. There’s no comment to make, you just have to admire them when they play and always hope to have them on your side and never against you,” Conte remarked.
