Victor Osimhen ‘excluded from Napoli’s pre-season squad’ after failing to secure final-day move to Chelsea

Victor Osimhen has reportedly been left out of Napoli’s squad for next season after failing to complete a move to Chelsea on the final day.

The Nigerian striker was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge on Friday, but despite the Blues making a late offer they were unable to complete a deal in time.

Osimhen will therefore remain a Napoli player for the time being, but he is not part of Antonio Conte’s plans, as he has not played for the Italian club at all in the first weeks of the season.

According to Fabrizio RomanoOsimhen has been dropped from Napoli’s squad for the 2024-25 season as his relationship with the club has ‘broken down’.

His teammate Mario Rui also did not make the selection and would like to leave the club.

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen failed to make final move to Chelsea

He has now reportedly been dropped from Antonio Conte’s squad for the season

New Napoli manager Conte has decided that Osimhen is not part of his plans

Osimhen is also attracting the attention of Saudi Arabia, as Al-Ahli reached an agreement with Napoli for the attacker on Friday morning.

But Osimhen did not give the green light for the transfer and Al-Ahli instead went on to sign Ivan Toney from Brentford at the end of the deadline.

The transfer window in Saudi Arabia is still open, meaning Al-Ahli could renew their interest in him or another club could come forward to offer Osimhen a way out.

However, he is currently at an impasse as Napoli have made it clear that they do not see him as part of their project.

Earlier this week, the £38 million transfer of Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea was completed, with the Belgian striker expected to be Conte’s first-team striker.

Lukaku is widely seen as the replacement for Osimhen, who was sidelined by Napoli for over a year after leading the club to Serie A glory.

Napoli have signed Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea as a replacement for Osimhen

Osimhen scored 26 league goals in the 2022-23 season, which saw Napoli win their first title in 33 years. He scored 15 last season, but it was a disastrous season for the club.

They finished in tenth place, missing out on European competition, and Osimhen will not be part of their revival this season.