Osimhen begins pre-season with Napoli amid exit talks

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has started pre-season training with Napoli as he continues to await offers to leave Stadio Maradona this summer.

The Super Eagles striker arrived at Castel Volturno, Napoli training ground on tuesday morning for medical examinations and to begin pre-season training under new manager Antonio Conte.

Despite expectations that Osimhen will not remain at Stadio Maradona beyond the summer, his future remains uncertain as no formal offers have been received for his transfer.

His contract includes a €130 million release clause, and although there have been links with Chelsea and PSG, Napoli has not heard from any potential suitors. Consequently, Osimhen will begin preparing for the new campaign with the rest of the team.

According to Italian media outlet La Repubblica, the former Lille striker was among the first players to arrive at Napoli’s training centre on Tuesday morning, alongside Leonardo Spinazzola and Rafa Marin, who had medical tests on Monday. Alessandro Buongiorno is scheduled for examinations on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old striker, who signed a new contract with Napoli in December 2023 with a €130 million release clause, seems poised to bid farewell to the Italian club this summer. Antonio Conte has expressed readiness to part ways with Osimhen, as he mentioned in his first press conference. Romelu Lukaku has emerged as the primary option to replace the Nigerian striker.

PSG is also in the race to secure a striker to replace Kylian Mbappe, who has departed for Real Madrid. Osimhen is one of the most sought-after players in the transfer market due to his consistent performances for Napoli. He is currently on vacation in Nigeria.

Since his move from LOSC Lille to Napoli in September 2020 for €75 million, Osimhen has established himself as one of the standout performers in Serie A. He has registered 76 goals and 18 assists in 133 appearances for Napoli and was instrumental in their Scudetto win two seasons ago, netting 26 goals and winning the Capocannoniere, becoming the first African player to achieve this feat.