Despite the calmer situation at Napoli, the future of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen is far from certain, with continuous rumours suggesting a departure from the Italian club.
Osimhen did not take this lightly, and his grievances led to suggestions of a departure from Napoli.
The rift between player and club deepened with the club president Aurelio De Laurentiis suggesting a January transfer for Osimhen was possible.
The disagreement between both parties seems to have calmed down a bit, but fresh rumours are making the rounds, suggesting an imminent transfer, with Chelsea as the most likely destination.
As Napoli struggles over the future of Osimhen, there may be a resolution to their problem.
The Partenopei has battled with the several absences of the Nigerian striker through injury and has managed to cope without him.
Despite the strong inclination to hold on to their star striker, Napoli could decide to let him go after the several issues encountered in the last couple of months.
While it would be a massive challenge to replace the quality and goals of Osimhen, the Neapolitans could find an adequate striker closer than imagined.
Chelsea has shown strong interest in bringing Osimhen to Stamford Bridge. The Blues are having a torrid season, and are among the many admirers of last season’s Capocannoniere.
It is unlikely that Chelsea will find competition for the striker in Italy, as they have a trump card. Not only can they beat other opposition to the forward in terms of money, but they can offer Romelu Lukaku.
With Chelsea valuing Lukaku at around 40 million euros, an exchange could lower the high cash demand of the Partenopei.
Todd Boehly is considering including Lukaku, who has done well in Serie A and is currently on six goals this term – the same as Osimhen.
Will Napoli bite the bait? Time will tell.
In the absence of Osimhen, Giacomo Raspadori has held the fort. While the club is not far off league leaders Inter Milan, they slipped midweek after they played a 1-1 draw with Union Berlin in the Champions League.
It could be a foretaste of life after Osimhen, who led them to their first Serie A title in 33 years.
While Chelsea may have raced ahead of the others for the services of the Nigerian striker, other teams might have a say in his next destination.
With rumours emanating that Real Madrid have pulled out of their interest in Kylian Mbappe next summer, they could concretise their interest in the Napoli striker.
Other Premier League clubs besides Chelsea are also interested, with Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal as possible destinations.
While the rumours continue over the future of Osimhen, Rudi Garcia will desperately need the services of the striker in the coming weeks.
Between the end of November and the beginning of December, Napoli have a hectic schedule with matches against Atalanta, Real Madrid, Inter and Juventus in rapid succession.
Despite the unstable situation Napoli and their Nigerian striker find themselves in, it would be in the interest of the Partenopei to renew the player’s contract.
The contract renewal of Osimhen is currently on the top burner and could still happen despite the Chelsea-Lukaku connection.