Victor Osimhen 'situation is very clear' as Napoli provide transfer update on star striker following failed Chelsea move

Despite his desire to leave the Italian club, the Nigerian striker's anticipated move to Chelsea fell through, leaving him in a state of limbo as the new season unfolds. In addition to the Blues' interest, Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli also emerged as a potential destination for Osimhen. They even reportedly agreed on terms with Napoli for the transfer, but the deal fell apart when the Italian side increased their demands, asking for a further €5 million (£4m/$5.5m) in addition to the €80m (£67m/$88m) transfer fee initially agreed.

However, the Saudi Arabian transfer window remains open until September 2, which means that the Nigerian could still save himself from getting stuck at Naples until at least January. But Manna expressed doubt that Osimhen would join a Saudi club despite being thrown out of the squad and stripped of his jersey. Romelu Lukaku, who joined Napoli from Chelsea, has already been handed the No.9 shirt, previously worn by Osimhen, signalling a clear shift in the club's direction.

In an interview with DAZN, Manna said: "The situation is very clear. Victor expressed his absolute desire to not stay at, or play for, Napoli. We tried to make him happy. Then there was demand and an offer, and we thought we had concluded negotiations, but then it didn't go through. He expressed his desire to no longer play for Napoli and so we made other choices. The transfer market is still open [in some countries], so there are many options, but I don’t think Victor will go to Saudi Arabia."

Napoli's manager, Antonio Conte, has also weighed in on the situation, making it clear that Osimhen is no longer part of the club's plans. Following Napoli’s dramatic victory over Parma in Serie A, Conte reiterated: "No player will be reintegrated. Those who are out of the project will remain out of the project. We made our choices and work in one direction all together."

With no immediate transfer on the horizon and Napoli’s firm stance on his exclusion from the squad, Osimhen finds himself in a challenging position. The 25-year-old striker, who had been one of the most sought-after talents in European football, now faces an uncertain future at least until January, when the transfer window reopens.