Napoli coach Antonio Conte did not include Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen in the team as his team lost 3-0 to Hellas Verona in his first game as coach.
The player was the subject of a transfer and Conte has said that he does not count on Osimhen in his new project as he would rather work with Romelo Lukaku.
The Italian has largely released Osimhen from his pre-season programme despite the striker joining the team on time, further underlining the fact that the striker is more likely to move to a new club than stay at the club.
However, Napoli director Giovanni Manna says the striker must stay at the club if there are no buyers willing to pay the club the fair value of the Nigerian.
“He (Osimhen) has a contract for two more seasons. If we do not find a solution by August 30, we will have to talk to the player,” said Manna a few hours before the game against Hellas Verona.
When asked whether there were any sensations at the club, whether the Nigerian was more inclined towards Chelsea, PSG or Arsenal, Manna did not answer categorically: “At this point in time, it is not right to say what sensations there are.”
“We are working with his environment to find the best solution. As I said, he is an important player, so it’s not like we can just find him anywhere,” he said.
