Italian pundit claims Napoli won't sign Chelsea striker unless Osimhen is sold

Italian pundit Pier Francesco Monachino has claimed that Napoli won't sign Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku if Victor Osimhen is not sold.

The future of Osimhen and Lukau have become intertwined with the former determined to leave Napoli this summer while the Italian club want the latter to replace him.

The Super Eagles forward is not short of suitors with Man United, Chelsea and Arsenal all credited with an interest in his services as well as the Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal of the Saudi Pro League, but the main stumbling block has been his transfer fee.

The 25-year-old has a release clause of €130m which has been deemed excessive by his suitors, particularly from the Premier League.

Napoli aren't ready to lower the valuation of the star striker at the moment with their summer plans resting on his sale, including the pursuit of a deal for Lukaku.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia via IlNapolista, Monachino has also claimed that the 2022/2023 Serie A champions won't sign the Belgian forward without selling his Nigerian counterpart.

"The first issue is Osimhen. In recent weeks we have mentioned Lukaku because when we talk about Conte we automatically talk about him.

"The Belgian himself said that Conte is the best coach he has had, but without Osimhen's departure Napoli will not go for Lukaku.

"The clause is 130 million, however Napoli will not go below three figures. The player obviously wants to stay in Europe, there was only an inquiry from Saudi Arabia.

"For Lukaku, Chelsea's request is always over 40 million euros. Milan is also interested in Lukaku ."

Osimhen must head back to Napoli for pre-season training in the coming days if his future is still undecided. 

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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