Napoli coach Conte hails Osimhen but admits he cannot predict how striker's future will pan out 

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday directly from Dimaro, the location of Napoli's pre-season training camp, manager Antonio Conte waxed lyrical about Victor Osimhen but underlined that he cannot predict how the future of the Super Eagles striker will pan out ahead of the forthcoming season.

Before the transfer window closes for business, Napoli could lose the Nigeria international, arguably their standout player when they won the Serie A for the first time in thirty-three years in 2023.

Despite signing a new deal last December, there's a gentleman's agreement in place between Osimhen and Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis that would allow the reigning African Footballer of the Year depart the Diego Maradona Stadium before the start of the 2024-2025 season.

Osimhen was among the first players to report for pre-season training amid speculation surrounding his future. 

The 2015 Fifa U17 World Cup Golden Ball winner has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal but the European clubs have been put off by his asking price believed to be around 130 million euros. 

In quotes relayed by Tuttomercatoweb, Conte said: "We're talking about Victor as a professional, an excellent player, a top player, I spoke to him and he knows very well that absolutely nothing has changed. 

"He's from Napoli, he knows very well that those who are from Napoli have to work and have the right attitude even if there's this type of agreement that we still don't know how it will end. 

"I found him with a smile, what counts is the present, this afternoon's training and his attitude towards me and his teammates".

Osimhen joined Napoli from Lille in 2020 and since his arrival in Naples, he has directly participated in 81 goals (65 goals, 16 assists) in 108 appearances in the Serie A. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com