- La Gazzetta dello Sport slammed Serie A side
Victor Osimhen’s future remains uncertain after Napoli director Giovanni Manna confirmed that his transfer is “blocked” unless Chelsea, Arsenal, or PSG make a move before the August 31 deadline.
The Super Eagles striker was absent in Napoli’s 3-0 loss to Hellas Verona in their Serie A opener, as the team played with a weakened squad.
Coach Antonio Conte expressed frustration, noting that the transfer strategy was hindered by Osimhen’s unsold status.
“It’s an objective fact, what the coach said, the situation is blocked. Victor is an important player, with an important value and conditions. His desire is clear. We tried to maintain the integrity of the squad at this moment. We are not the only club in this situation and we’ll see what happens over the next 10 days,” Manna reportedly told Sky Sport Italia.
Manna was coy on discussing Osimhen’s current situation amid a possible move to Arsenal or PSG as being speculated, adding the former Lille striker is still under contract with Napoli until 2027.
He said: “At this time, it is not right to say what sensations there are. We are working with his entourage to find the best solution. As we said, he is an important player, so it’s not that we can just find him anywhere.”
“He is under contract for another two seasons, so clearly if we don’t find a solution by August 30, we’ll have to talk to the player.”
In a related development, Italian outlet ,La Gazzetta dello Sport, has reportedly slammed Napoli for their poor handling of ‘Osimhen’s transfer situation’ after the African Footballer of the Year was left of the Serie A tie against Hellas Verona despite lack of offers.
“It’s natural to wonder if the management of Osimhen from the club has been impeccable,” Gazzetta dello Sport journalist G.B. Olivero was quoted as per Football Italia.
He continued: “They have to honour their promise to sell, as Conte said during his unveiling press conference, but without an offer and an actual negotiation, why haven’t the club used a champion who, moreover, has been abundantly paid?”
Napoli have already identified Romelu Lukaku as Osimhen’s replacement, but Chelsea are unwilling to accept offers below €43m.
“There would be no problem if they already had a replacement, but Lukaku is still waiting for the green light, so Conte can neither start the Belgian nor the Nigerian, who may leave,” added Olivero.
