As the new season approaches, Napoli faces uncertainty over its number 9 for what they call the “Renaissance” season. With less than two weeks until their competitive debut and only three weeks until the Serie A opening, the situation remains unresolved. Victor Osimhen has rejoined his teammates for training, displaying his usual smile and determination. Recently, he even had discussions with Antonio Conte regarding movements and tactics. In a twist of fate, Osimhen’s position puts him in the same scenario Lukaku finds himself in—caught in a transfer saga.
Meanwhile, Romelu Lukaku is currently continuing personalized training away from Chelsea with his national team. The Belgian is set to return to London soon, where he’ll resume solo training at Cobham. Chelsea are currently on a pre-season tour in the United States, having a final match against Real Madrid before returning. Fans hope that by then, a resolution will emerge in the ongoing transfer drama, potentially seeing Osimhen move to Paris and Lukaku arrive in Naples.
In the Napoli camp, there is a calm confidence surrounding the situation. The club’s sporting director, Mauro Manna, emphasized that despite the uncertainty, the squad remains strong in attack with players like Osimhen, Giovanni Simeone, and Walid Cheddira. He reassured fans that there are 30 days left in the transfer window to make any necessary assessments.
While Napoli anticipates the close of the transfer window, they have already made significant moves. Lukaku is reportedly on board with a move to Napoli and is eager to reconnect with Conte, who he excelled under during their time at Inter. The two parties are in talks regarding a potential three-year deal that would likely take advantage of tax benefits offered by the Italian government.
However, the key hurdle remains: Lukaku’s arrival in Naples is contingent upon Osimhen’s departure. No timeline has been established for this transfer, leaving fans in limbo. For now, Osimhen is expected to skip the upcoming friendly match to avoid risk of injury, while Lukaku has been diligently training alone for nearly two weeks. He knows all too well the demands of training under Conte, recalling both the challenges and how crucial they were to their success in Milan.
Lukaku is currently experiencing his third consecutive summer away from the bulky Chelsea squad. Without any group training sessions or matches, he is focusing on running, gym workouts, and maintaining his fitness. He understands that any lack of preparation could lead to extra work once he arrives at Napoli.
The bond between Lukaku and Conte endures, founded on mutual respect and admiration. Lukaku perfectly fits the tactical needs of Conte’s Napoli side, but his fans must remain patient until that reunion occurs. Soon, he hopes to be in Naples, ready to embrace a fresh chapter and enjoy football at its best, alongside his new teammates. The excitement surrounding Conte’s influence is palpable, and Lukaku is keen to experience it again fully.
