Napoli have been linked with a host of top-strikers since Romelu Lukaku was ruled out for three months, so we have looked at the top five options for Antonio Conte.
The current Scudetto holders were handed a major blow just days before their 2025/26 Serie A opener, as Romelu Lukaku suffered a thigh injury that will keep the Belgian out for three-months.
Antonio Conte would have been planning his side around the former Manchester United star, especially after Lukaku’s performance in Napoli’s title winning season last year.
With the Belgian out for an extended period of time, Conte will be adjusting Napoli’s 2025/26 lineup and we have looked into the top five options that could realistically be approached this summer.
Top Five Strikers For Napoli: Romelu Lukaku Replacements
1. Rasmus Hojlund (Manchester United)
The striker that has the most concrete links to Napoli so far is Manchester United star, Rasmus Hojlund, who looks to be on his way out of Old Trafford following Benjamin Sesko’s arrival.
Since joining the Red Devils in July 2023 for over $75 million, the Danish international has struggled to find his feet, scoring just 14 goals in 62 Premier League appearances.
Hojlund was left out of Manchester United’s squad for their opening day defeat at home to Arsenal and is all-but certain to leave the club before the window closes.
A return to Serie A appears to be the most likely outcome, with AC Milan and Napoli both showing interest and Hojlund is set to leave on loan – with a $45m buy option available.
2. Moise Kean (Fiorentina)
Next on the list is Fiorentina star, Moise Kean, who was heavily linked with a move away from Florence during the opening weeks of this summer transfer window.
The Italian had a release clause in his contract for around $55-60m which expired in mid-July and several clubs around Europe were considering the option.
However, Fiorentina’s asking price has drastically increased now that the clause is no longer available and any interested party would need to pay over $70m.
Kean ended the 2024/25 season as the second-highest scorer in Serie A behind Mateo Retegui and Napoli are reportedly preparing an audacious bid for the Fiorentina star.
This deal does seem like an unlikely option however, as Gli Azzurri are looking for a quick-fix option instead of bringing in a new starting man – which may put them off the $70m asking price.
3. Nicholas Jackson (Chelsea)
Nicholas Jackson has seen his future in west London take a surprising turn this summer, as the Blues are reportedly keen on offloading the Senegalese international before August 31st.
Jackson enjoyed a strong campaign under Enzo Maresca last season, contributing to 15 goals in 30 Premier League appearances and helping Chelsea win the Europa Conference League.
The former Villarreal star also played a part in the Blues’ FIFA Club World Cup triumph, but is now being forced out following the arrivals of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro.
Similarly to Kean, Chelsea have set a hefty asking price on their once-talisman, as Jackson still has eight-years remaining on his current deal because he signed a 10-year contract back in 2023.
Chelsea are reportedly after $65m for Jackson this summer, which may deter any bid from Napoli, however, the Blues may lower their asking price if the 24-year-old moves outside of the Premier League.
4. Artem Dovbyk (Roma)
One possible replacement for Romelu Lukaku that has popped up in recent days is Ukrainian star, Artem Dovbyk, as is unlikely to feature in Roma’s 2025/26 lineup under Gian Piero Gasperini.
Dovbyk’s place in the starting eleven took a major hit after the Giallorossi signed Evan Ferguson on loan from Brighton and the Irishman hit the ground running in pre-season.
The former Girona star moved to the Italian capital in August 2024 for around $35m and contributed to 21 goals in his debut season across all competitions.
According to transfer specialist, Gianluca Di Marzio, Napoli have enquired about the possibility of signing Dovbyk to fill Lukaku’s boots and the Ukrainian could be available on loan.
5. Alexander Sorloth (Atletico Madrid)
Lastly we have Atletico Madrid star, Alexander Sorloth, who scored an impressive 20 goals in 35 La Liga appearances during his debut season with Atletico Madrid.
However, reports have revealed that the 29-year-old has fallen out with Atletico Madrid manager, Diego Simeone, and could be on his way out of the Spanish capital this summer.
Sorloth was frustrated after being left out of Atletico Madrid’s La Liga opener against Espanyol and Napoli may make a move for the wantaway striker.
The Norwegian international possesses similar attributes to Lukaku and is among the list of strikers that would improve Napoli, while also being available for under $40m.
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