Napoli is wasting no time in identifying and pursuing key reinforcements for the upcoming season, with their sights set firmly on bolstering the attack. At the top of their wish list for several months has been Dan Ndoye, the talented Swiss winger who will turn 25 later this year.
The Neapolitan club has reportedly tabled an offer around the €33 million mark, sweetened with the inclusion of defender Zanoli. However, Bologna has proven to be rather inflexible in negotiations, valuing their asset closer to €40 million. This valuation gap currently presents a significant hurdle, pumping the brakes on Napoli`s initial enthusiasm. While the negotiation appears challenging, Napoli remains persistent, seemingly determined to channel future proceeds from potential outgoing transfers – chief among them, perhaps, the eventual sale of Victor Osimhen – into acquiring a player of substantial profile.
Should the pursuit of Ndoye ultimately prove unsuccessful due to the financial impasse, Napoli has already lined up compelling alternatives to reinforce their attacking options. Among the names circulating with increasing frequency is Ademola Lookman, the dynamic winger from Atalanta who will turn 28 in October. The Nigerian international represents a seductive temptation for the left flank, thanks to his notable versatility and proven ability to make a decisive impact on matches.
Yet, he is not the only intriguing possibility. Another suggestion making a return to prominence is Federico Chiesa. Also born in 1997, like Ndoye, the Juventus forward could realistically become a concrete objective for Napoli should the deal for Ndoye collapse. While adjusting his current salary structure might be a prerequisite, the prospect of taking on a leading role within Napoli`s project could potentially sway the Italian talent to consider a move south. Napoli`s interest in Chiesa is not a new development, but the current market dynamics and the club`s clear intention to fortify the attack with quality players could forcefully reignite this long-standing pursuit.
As the summer transfer window heats up, Napoli finds itself engaged in a delicate balancing act, pushing for its primary target while keeping potent backup options firmly in view. The coming weeks will reveal whether the steadfastness of Bologna or the financial resolve of Napoli will prevail in the Ndoye saga, and which alternative path the Partenopei might ultimately need to tread to land their desired attacking firepower.