Fabio Cannavaro urges Napoli to retain Victor Osimhen for title challenge 

By Monsurah Olatunji 

Former Real Madrid and Juventus defender Fabio Cannavaro has offered his two cents on Victor Osimhen and his potential replacement, Romelu Lukaku.

Osimhen’s departure from Napoli has been a topic of speculation for months and it appears that he will be on the move this summer, as Napoli and PSG negotiate a deal for the Super Eagles forward.

The 25-year-old Nigerian international has publicly declared his intention to leave Napoli and has been heavily linked with the French giants.

The Super Eagles star has a hefty €130 million (£110m/$142m) release clause that has deterred potential buyers so far.

According to TuttoSport, Napoli’s head coach Antonio Conte is keen to have a new striker secured but Osimhen’s transfer needs to be finalised swiftly so that they can recycle that transfer money into acquiring Lukaku.

Despite this, 2006 Ballon d’Or winner Cannavaro believes keeping the reigning African Player of the Year is a better option for Napoli to challenge for the league next season.

In a recent interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, the former defender tipped Inter to retain the title they won last season but sees Napoli as title contenders, emphasizing the importance of retaining Osimhen’s partnership with teammate Kvicha Kvaratskhelia.

“Napoli, if they keep Osimhen and Kvara,” he responded.

“Osi can score three goals with two touches; he’s unpredictable and needs fewer chances than Lukaku [to score]. Conte always puts the players in the best position and Oriali will be an added value who will free him from dirty work, allowing him to focus on the team.”