Napoli coach Antonio Conte insists there are no major developments over a potential transfer for talisman Victor Osimhen, although he hinted that there is a sort of ‘agreement’ linked to the 25-year-old’s possible departure.
The new Partenopei boss sat down for a press conference at the team’s pre-season training camp in Dimaro on Saturday, where he discussed Osimhen’s future, as well as Napoli’s objectives for the new campaign and their possible tactical set-up.
Though the Nigeria international has been widely tipped for a move away from the Stadio Maradona this summer, Napoli have not yet received any sort of formal proposal from any club.
Napoli would, of course, need to sell Osimhen first if they are to acquire some of their other attacking targets this summer, such as Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku.
What Conte said about potential Osimhen departure
Conte has revealed that there are no major developments in the Osimhen transfer saga, but he did suggest that there is an ‘agreement’ over his potential exit.
Explaining the situation surrounding Napoli’s transfer window, Conte said: “After my signature, the most difficult thing was to realign the whole situation and put Napoli back in the centre of all the important business.
“The situation now allows us to stay one step ahead thanks to everyone here, the club and thanks to the players who have understood. I expressed myself very clearly and with a vision that is hard to go against. Now the club is back in the spotlight.
Talking about Osimhen specifically, Conte added: “We are talking about Victor as a professional, an excellent, top player.
“I spoke to him and he knows that absolutely nothing has changed. He belongs to Napoli and he knows that those who belong to Napoli have to work hard and have the right attitude, even if there is this sort of agreement, that we still don’t know how it will end.
“He’s here with a smile, and what counts at the moment is the training this afternoon and the attitude with me and my colleagues.”