Napoli’s hopes of starting the new Serie A season with a fully fit Romelu Lukaku have been dashed after the Belgian striker was ruled out until November with a muscle injury.
The club confirmed the setback in a statement, forcing Antonio Conte’s side to accelerate plans for a new striker before the summer transfer window shuts on August 31.
Three Premier League Strikers on the Radar
According to reports from Tutto Napoli, Napoli have identified three potential replacements currently plying their trade in the Premier League.
Manchester United duo Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund top the list, alongside Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson.
Conte’s men began the summer with Lukaku and Lorenzo Lucca, who joined on loan from Udinese, as their main striking options.
However, the squad has been trimmed with Giovanni Simeone sent on loan to Torino and Giacomo Raspadori sold to Atletico Madrid, leaving only Lucca available in attack.
Transfer Opportunity in England
Napoli could benefit from the transfer reshuffles at United and Chelsea. With United’s recent acquisition of Benjamin Sesko and Chelsea bringing in Liam Delap, both English giants may be open to offers for Zirkzee, Hojlund, and Jackson.
This situation gives Napoli an opening to strike a deal for one of the three forwards before the deadline.
What’s Next for Conte’s Side?
The Partenopei are racing against time, with just 13 days left before the market closes. Napoli kick off their Serie A campaign against Sassuolo on August 23 and are determined to have a reliable attacking option in place before then.
