The future of Victor Osimhen remains uncertain less than two weeks before Napoli’s preparations for the upcoming season begin.

The Nigerian international renewed his contract with Napoli last December, which includes a hefty release clause of €130 million. Despite interest from top clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Paris Saint-Germain, concrete offers have yet to materialize due to the high asking price, prompting these clubs to explore younger and more affordable alternatives.

In anticipation of Osimhen’s potential departure, Napoli is reportedly eyeing Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku as a replacement. Lukaku, who previously worked with new Napoli manager Antonio Conte at Inter Milan, is seen by former Napoli defender Fabiano Santacroce as an ideal successor to Osimhen.

Speaking on ‘I Tempo’ via Radio Capri, Santacroce commented, “Victor’s clause is very high, and I believe the president wouldn’t have signed such a contract without assurance of a sale. They may be waiting for better offers, but there seems to be a loophole.”

“I would personally like to see Lukaku in Naples,” he continued. “He is a striker capable of leading the line independently, initiating team play, and he is already familiar with Italian football.”

Currently in Nigeria, Osimhen is expected to return to Napoli next month for pre-season training unless a decision on his future is reached beforehand.