Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen will not feature in Napoli’s Coppa Italia first-round match against Modena today, as his future with The Blues remains shrouded in uncertainty.
The 25-year-old, who has been the subject of intense transfer speculation this summer, has been following an individual training plan at Napoli’s sports centre without participating in any of the club’s pre-season friendlies.
Osimhen, who earns £325,000 per week at Napoli, making him the highest earner in Serie A, signed a new contract with the club in December that includes a €130m release clause, which none of his suitors is willing to trigger.
Paris Saint-Germain, considered the most serious suitors, have not offered more than €100m for the Nigerian international.
Chelsea had considered including him in a deal involving Romelu Lukaku, but the striker has blatantly refused a loan move.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Osimhen is also refusing to take a pay cut to facilitate a move to Chelsea.