SSC Napoli manager Antonio Conte is set to exclude Victor Osimhen from first-team training when the Nigerian striker returns to the Italian club following the expiration of his loan spell at Galatasaray.
According to Turkish publication Fotomac, Conte will not allow Osimhen to train with the first team as the 26-year-old is not considered part of the club’s long-term project.
The report states that Osimhen “is preparing to return to Napoli for pre-season training after his loan contract with the Turks ended,” but will face isolation from the main squad upon his arrival.
This development comes as Manchester United are said to be in “the driving seat” for the striker, with Ruben Amorim’s side desperate to bolster their attack ahead of the new season. The Red Devils have been constantly linked with Osimhen as they seek to strengthen their forward line.
The Nigeria international’s future remains uncertain, with a host of clubs reportedly pursuing his signature. Galatasaray, Juventus and several English clubs are said to be on his trail, though he has yet to make a decision on his next destination.
One of his most active pursuers, Galatasaray, reportedly set him a deadline of yesterday to commit himself to their project, according to reports. The Turkish champions are keen to retain the striker following his spectacular loan spell in Istanbul.
Osimhen’s situation has been further complicated by contrasting reports regarding his transfer value. Some sources suggest his €75 million release clause will drop later this month, whilst others claim his price will actually increase beyond the current asking price should he and interested parties continue to drag out negotiations beyond mid-July.
The striker has already rejected a massive offer from Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, with reports indicating the Pro League giants had tabled a stunning €50 million per season contract. Transfer market expert Armando Areniello revealed that Al Hilal’s offer could reach €160 million over three years, describing it as a “monstrous bid” that could prove decisive.
Victor Osimhen has never been so close to leaving Napoli. Al-Hilal’s latest monstrous bid could be decisive: €50m per season for the player,” Areniello said, according to ArenaNapoli.
“Negotiations are underway with the Azzurri. An agreement could be reached for a figure between €60-65m.”
Despite the Saudi interest, Osimhen has traditionally expressed a preference to remain in European football. The Premier League has been touted as his most likely destination, with Manchester United leading the race amongst English clubs.
Chelsea have previously held talks with the player, whilst Arsenal are yet to make any concrete offer. Liverpool were also reportedly interested in a player swap deal involving Federico Chiesa and Darwin Nunez, but Napoli rejected the Premier League champions’ opening bid for an “equal exchange,” according to Valter De Maggio.
The 26-year-old was instrumental in Galatasaray’s domestic double last season, scoring 37 goals and providing eight assists in 41 appearances across all competitions. His performances reignited interest from top European clubs and demonstrated his continued quality at the highest level.
Napoli’s pre-season is expected to begin on July 14, with medical tests scheduled for July 14-15. Training sessions are planned in Dimaro, Trentino Alto Adige, from July 17-27, before preparation continues in Castel Di Sangro between July 30 and August 14.
Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport had previously reported that Napoli included Osimhen in their pre-season squad despite his imminent departure from the club. However, the latest developments suggest the striker will be effectively sidelined from first-team activities.
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