Newly appointed Napoli manager Antonio Conte has expressed high regard for Victor Osimhen, describing the player as a top and elite footballer.

Conte, who was named Napoli boss on June 5, signed a three-year contract with the club which is set to be activated on July 1.

In his first press conference alongside Napoli’s President Aurelio De Laurentiis, the 54-year-old shared his thoughts on the player.

While admitting that Osimhen is a top player he would love to work with, Conte confirmed that there were no guarantees that the Nigerian star would be in Naples when the new season starts in August.

Conte emphasized that Osimhen already had an agreement with the club to leave when suitable suitors arrived, long before Conte was appointed as Napoli manager.

“As far as Osimhen is concerned, just as I knew very well about the situation of Kvara, Di Lorenzo, Anguissa, and Lobotka, on whom I had an absolute veto, I know very well about the Osimhen situation,” Conte said, as per Football Italia.

“I know that there are agreements with the club; it’s a totally different situation, which I’ll witness. Then if you ask me about the player, he’s a top player, but I can’t get into any discussions about Osimhen because these are previous agreements.”

Osimhen signed a contract extension with Napoli in November, but it included a release clause.

The 25-year-old scored 76 goals and provided 18 assists in 133 appearances for Napoli.