'I know I will receive insults' - Malfitano convinced Lukaku can score same number of goals as Osimhen

Respected Italian journalist Mimmo Malfitano has expressed his belief that Napoli will not feel the absence of Victor Osimhen if they secure the signing of Romelu Lukaku.

This assertion comes amid ongoing speculation regarding Osimhen's future with the club.

Osimhen, who signed a contract extension with Napoli in December 2023, has an agreement to leave if a club matches his release clause, which is set between 120 and 130 million euros.

Despite interest from several top European clubs, Napoli have yet to receive an official bid for the Nigerian striker.

Meanwhile, Napoli's recruitment team has identified Lukaku as a potential replacement.

Malfitano has urged Napoli to facilitate Osimhen's exit this summer, suggesting that club president Aurelio De Laurentiis should consider reducing the release clause and sign Lukaku.

"The problem is that for two years the Nigerian has directed his interests and thoughts elsewhere: selling him would be good for everyone," Malfitano said on Radio Marte, via Area Napoli.

"De Laurentiis should accept it and sell him even for 100 and take Lukaku."

Malfitano is confident that Lukaku would be an adequate replacement for Osimhen, citing the Belgian striker's goal-scoring capabilities.

"The arrival of Lukaku would not make Osimhen's absence weigh that much. I know I will receive insults, but I am convinced that Lukaku can score 20-25 goals per championship, the same as Osimhen has done so far.

"I hear talk of PSG and I take these rumours as true. If that is the case, let's speed up."

Osimhen has been a standout performer for Napoli, scoring 65 goals in 108 league appearances since joining from Lille in the summer of 2020.

As the transfer window progresses, the future of Napoli's star striker remains a significant topic of discussion.

Adeyemi Adewale

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