Napoli coach, Antonio Conte, did not list Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, as his side lost 3-0 at Hellas Verona in his first match in charge.
The player has been a subject of transfer and Conte has said he is not counting on Osimhen for his new project as he prefers to work with Romelo Lukaku.
The Italian largely excused Osimhen from his pre-season programme despite the striker joining up with the squad on time. This further underlined the fact that the striker is more likely to join a new club than stay at the outfit.
However, Napoli director, Giovanni Manna, says the striker will have to stay at the club if no buyers are willing to pay the club’s correct valuation of the Nigerian.
‘He (Osimhen) is under contract for another two seasons, so clearly if we don’t find a solution by August 30, we’ll have to talk to the player,’ said Manna a few hours before the game at Hellas Verona.
Asked if the club had sensations for whether the Nigerian was leaning towards Chelsea, PSG or Arsenal, Manna was not categorical. ‘At this time, it is not right to say what sensations there are.
We are working with his entourage to find the best solution. As we said, he is an important player, so it’s not that we can just find him anywhere,’ he said.