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Victor Osimhen was dropped once again by Antonio Conte for Napoli’s pre-season friendly defeat to Genoa.
Conte’s side were beaten 2-0 in their final pre-season fixture at the Patini Stadium in Castel di Sangro on Saturday evening.
Osimhen, meanwhile, continues to train with Napoli but has not featured in any of their preparation games this summer as the club continue to negotiate his exit.
The Nigeria international was not even named as a substitute for Napoli’s defeat to Genoa, while Conte’s side will officially kick off their season next weekend when they play Modena in the Coppa Italia on Saturday.
Earlier this week, reports claimed that Chelsea and Napoli are in talks over a move for both Osimhen and Lukaku which would see the Belgian striker return to Italy on a permanent deal, while Osimhen would move to Stamford Bridge on loan with an option to buy.
Osimhen’s representative, Roberto Calenda, subsequently denied claims that the Nigerian striker will leave Napoli in a cut-price deal.
‘I’ve read about unfounded imaginary trades involving Victor, shipped around like a package ready for delivery,’ Calenda wrote on X.
‘But remember that this “package” is the top scorer of the third Scudetto in Naples’ history. Respect and no more fake news!’
Napoli have agreed to let Osimhen leave this summer but the club’s president, Aurelio de Laurentiis, has been holding out for a team to trigger the striker’s €130m (£110.8m) clause.
Paris Saint-Germain have also held extensive talks to sign Osimhen but, like Chelsea, are unwilling to meet Napoli’s high asking price.
Meanwhile, Italian newspaper, Il Mattino, reported on Saturday that Conte has privately made it clear to Napoli that Lukaku is his first-choice target.
Chelsea, however, are demanding a €35m (£29.8m) fee for the Belgium international, who is not part of Enzo Maresca’s plans for the upcoming season.
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