'Just like Victor' - Conte's right-hand man outlines characteristics Osimhen's replacement must possess 

Antonio Conte’s assistant coach, Cristian Stellini, has underscored the importance of finding a striker with a strong physical presence as Napoli looks to replace Victor Osimhen.

The comments come amid ongoing speculation about Osimhen’s future, with the Nigerian forward linked to several top clubs this summer.

Osimhen has attracted significant interest, with Paris Saint-Germain recently rumoured to be a potential destination.

With the possibility of Osimhen's departure, Napoli is preparing for a new chapter under the management of Antonio Conte, who took over following a challenging 2023/2024 season.

The Italian club is reportedly considering Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku, a former player of Conte during his tenure at Inter Milan, as a potential replacement.

In an interview with Calciomercato, Stellini outlined the key attributes required for the ideal replacement.

He emphasized that the new striker must mirror Osimhen’s physicality and ability to score goals while also contributing to the team’s offensive play.

"After Osimhen , I would choose a striker with a strong physical structure, just like Victor,” Stellini said.

“And who has more arrows in his bow, with characteristics that can score goals and enhance his teammates in the offensive department."

He added: "In fact, the physical structure of Lukaku is quite important. Even more than Osimhen, certainly more agile and faster than Romelu, but less strong musculamently.

"And the first Belgian tip also has many “arrows to his bow”, since he can play on the side, he can escape in counterattack thanks to his ball-to-foot progression, he can occupy the penalty area with extreme effectiveness. "

Osimhen, despite battling injuries last season, made 25 league appearances for Napoli, scoring 15 goals and providing three assists. 

Adeyemi Adewale

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