Victor Osimhen was “dropped once again” by Antonio Conte for Napoli’s pre-season friendly defeat to Genoa.
Conte’s side lost 2-0 in their final pre-season match at the Patini Stadium in Castel di Sangro on Saturday evening.
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Osimhen, who is still training with Napoli, has not participated in any of their preparation games this summer as the club continues to negotiate his departure.
The Nigeria international was not even listed as a substitute for Napoli’s defeat to Genoa, while Conte’s team will officially begin their season next weekend with a match against Modena in the Coppa Italia on Saturday.
Earlier this week, reports suggested that Chelsea and Napoli are discussing a move involving both Osimhen and Lukaku. This deal would see the Belgian striker return to Italy on a permanent basis, while Osimhen would move to Stamford Bridge on loan with an option to buy.
Osimhen’s representative, Roberto Calenda, denied claims that the Nigerian striker will leave Napoli in a “cut-price” deal.
‘I’ve read about unfounded imaginary trades involving Victor, shipped around like a package ready for delivery,’ Calenda wrote on X.
‘But remember that this “package” is the top scorer of the third Scudetto in Naples’ history. Respect and no more fake news!’
Napoli have agreed to let Osimhen leave this summer, but the club’s president, Aurelio de Laurentiis, is waiting for a team to trigger the striker’s €130m (£110.8m) release clause.
Paris Saint-Germain have also held extensive talks to sign Osimhen but, like Chelsea, are unwilling to meet Napoli’s high asking price.
Meanwhile, Italian newspaper Il Mattino reported on Saturday that Conte has privately informed Napoli that Lukaku is his “first-choice target.”
Chelsea, however, are demanding a €35m (£29.8m) fee for the Belgium international, who is not part of Enzo Maresca’s plans for the upcoming season.
