Romelu Lukaku could experience the start of the new season from London. He is currently still a Chelsea player, but he has to train while waiting for a transfer. However, this one is slow in coming.
It has long been clear that Lukaku wants a move to Napoli, who appointed Antonio Conte as their new coach in the summer. Both coach and player are keen on a reunion, but Napoli can only meet Chelsea’s high demands if Victor Osimhen leaves.
Osimhen not selected in Naples
But even this issue had been at an impasse for a few weeks. But on Saturday evening, Napoli already sent a clear signal. The club starts its season with a cup match against Modena and Osimhen is not in the squad for the day.
“The situation is clear: Victor wants to leave,” sporting director Giovanni Manna confirmed on the sidelines of the match to Mediaset. “Last season there was already a similar situation. He is a strong player, but we are calm because we already have players in our squad who can replace him, like Raspadori.”
Manna refuses to confirm Lukaku’s arrival
However, the intention remains that Lukaku will come as soon as Osimhen leaves. At least that is the opinion of transfer guru Fabrizio Romano and others. For Manna, who is still keen to slow down a bit, “Lukaku is still a team player.”
“Lukaku is still a Chelsea player. Another striker could join him, but it’s not certain that it will be Lukaku,” he said. “We will be ready to seize all the opportunities on the transfer market.”
🔵⛔️ Victor Osimhen, not even on the bench for Napoli on their first official game vs Modena in domestic Coppa Italia.
He’s out of the squad as priority remains the same; find new club for Osimhen and sign Romelu Lukaku. pic.twitter.com/BBDCwTmqmY
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 10, 2024
