Former Napoli striker Andrea Carnevale, believes Victor Osimhen should leave the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in the best interest of all parties.
Speculation over his future has been rife since Antonio Conte was announced as manager last month, and the Italian tactician having preference for Romelu Lukaku whom he won the Serie A title with at Inter Milan.
Osimhen has not been named in any of the matchday squads in Napoli’s pre-season games so far, leading to more speculation over his next destination, with Paris Saint-Germain being heavily muted.
Carnevale, who was part of the successful Napoli side that won the Serie A, Coppa Italia and UEFA Cup with Maradona between 1987 and 1990, thinks Lukaku is the ideal replacement for the Nigerian striker.
“Victor is an extraordinary striker, but it has been clear for some time that he wants a change of scenery,” Carnevale told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Also to make everyone work better, it is right to speed up his departure. Let’s say that his silence in recent months has not given us any reason to think differently.
“Lukaku, the ideal replacement? Victor is five years younger. However, in terms of offensive guarantee, I don’t see a big difference. Romelu has the numbers to make people forget Osimhen. Lukaku is Lukaku, if he is well, he can still do two or three years at a high level.
“He’s not that young anymore but we’re talking about a top player. Osimhen is devastating in depth, in the open field he’s a gazelle, he becomes uncatchable. But Lukaku is more of a team player, and with Conte he can return to great levels.”
— Victor Osimhen (@victorosimhen9) April 9, 2024
Osimhen joined Napoli from Lille in the summer of 2021 and has featured 133 times in all competitions for the Campania capital outfit, scoring 76 goals and providing 18 assists.
The highlight of his career was during the 2022-23 season when he netted 26 goals as Napoli won their first Serie A title in 33 years and was awarded the Capocannoniere as top scorer.
