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The Partenopei remain determined to sell Victor Osimhen this season and have excluded him from their team amidst the Super Eagles star's transfer request
Napoli began their 2024-25 campaign without star striker Victor Osimhen, as new manager Antonio Conte named his first competitive lineup for the Coppa Italia first-round match against Serie B side Modena.
Napoli struggle without Osimhen in Coppa Italia opener
Osimhen did not feature in the club's pre-season matches and was notably absent from the squad for their opening Coppa Italia match. In his absence, Conte opted for a front three consisting of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Matteo Politano, and Giacomo Raspadori.
The match concluded in a goalless tie after 90 minutes and was decided by a penalty shootout, which Napoli won 4-3. Kvaratskhelia, who played centre-forward in Osimhen's absence, scored the winning penalty, but the team’s overall performance made the Super Eagles star's absence obvious.
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Conte's lineup decision fuelled speculation that Napoli is preparing for life without Osimhen, who has been linked with a move away from the club as the transfer window draws to a close.
Napoli director confirms Osimhen's transfer request
Ahead of the match against Modena, Napoli's sporting director, Giovanni Manna, confirmed that Osimhen has submitted a transfer request in hopes of leaving the club. Speaking about Osimhen’s future, Manna said, "He asked to leave. We are calm because we have players in the squad who can replace him in the best way.
“However, we do not want to harm the integrity of the group and want to preserve it. We will see what will happen in the next few days."
The Nigeria international has been linked with several top European clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Arsenal. However, no club has yet met Napoli's asking price for the striker, leaving his future uncertain as the transfer window approaches its final days.
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While Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea have reportedly pulled out of the race, Arsenal and a potential move to Saudi Arabia remain on the table, though it remains to be seen if Osimhen is willing to leave Europe at this stage of his career.
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