Napoli, the Serie A champions, are looking to sign a striker before the summer transfer window closes to replace Belgian Romelu Lukaku, who is expected to be sidelined for several weeks after suffering an injury to the back of his left thigh during a friendly win over Olympiacos. His absence could cause him to miss the season opener against Sassuolo. According to Corriere dello Sport, club director Giovanni Mana has begun searching for alternatives, and names under consideration include Joshua Zirkzee (Manchester United), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Artem Dovbyk (Roma), and Nikola Krstović (Lecce).

Napoli signed Lorenzo Lucca from Udinese this summer, but he remains the only true centre-forward option after Giovanni Simeone was loaned to Torino and Giacomo Raspadori moved to Atletico Madrid. The club has also largely secured the signing of Spanish left-back Miguel Gutiérrez from Girona on a five-year deal for €20 million, with the player completing routine medical tests before signing. Additionally, Conte’s squad was strengthened this summer with free signing playmaker Kevin De Bruyne after his Manchester City contract ended, centre-back San Bokema from Bologna for €31 million, left winger Noa Lang from PSV for €25 million, and goalkeeper Vanja Milinković-Savić on loan from Torino, among other young additions.