The summer transfer market buzz is in full swing for Napoli, where sporting director Giovanni Manna and coach Antonio Conte are busy identifying reinforcements. The primary focus, it appears, is on bolstering the attacking department with two key additions: a dynamic left winger and a clinical central striker. This strategy is, however, intricately linked to the potential departure of star forward Victor Osimhen, a move that could inject significant funds (reportedly around €75 million) but would also necessitate a high-profile replacement.
Searching for Flair on the Left Flank
On the left side of the attack, Napoli is seeking a player who can complement existing options like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (who, while not explicitly mentioned in the source, is the main star on that side, making reinforcements essential rather than a direct replacement for the *main* threat, which is Osimhen centrally), Noa Lang, Matteo Politano, and David Neres. Bologna`s Dan Ndoye, nearing his 25th birthday, has been a target for months. Napoli`s valuation reportedly sits between €30 million and €35 million, but Bologna remains firm, asking for around €43 million. Bridging this gap will require negotiation, and potentially, funds generated elsewhere.
Beyond Ndoye, two other intriguing possibilities are being explored. Ademola Lookman, the Nigerian international turning 28 later this year, represents a “seductive temptation” with his proven ability to impact games. Another prominent name is Juventus forward Federico Chiesa, also 28 in October. While his wage structure would need careful consideration, reports suggest he might be more accessible now, perhaps without the “exaggerated demands” seen in previous windows, offering a potentially high-quality option if terms can be agreed.
The Central Striker Conundrum: Nunez and Lucca in Focus
The hunt for a central striker is shaping up to be a complex narrative, one that has reportedly been “stealing sleep” within the club. Liverpool`s Darwin Núñez has emerged as a high-profile target. Dialogue had reportedly begun but was paused following an injury concern for Liverpool`s Diogo Jota. However, talks are expected to resume eventually. The reported financial parameters see Napoli offering €50 million, while Liverpool is asking for €60 million, plus a €6 million annual salary package for the Uruguayan forward. It`s a significant investment, clearly tied to potential incoming funds.
Alternatively, Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna has also kept a close eye on Lorenzo Lucca from Udinese. Manna reportedly identified Lucca as a suitable profile some time ago, and the player has reportedly given his `yes` to a potential move to Naples. However, a notable valuation gap persists between Napoli and Udinese, estimated at around €10 million, despite the friendly relationship between the clubs` presidents, Aurelio De Laurentiis and Giampaolo Pozzo. This highlights that even personal rapport doesn`t always smooth over financial differences in the relentless “transfer bubble.”
Complicating the pursuit of Lucca is the strong interest from Atalanta. Fresh from a significant sale (reportedly €70 million for Mateo Retegui to Al Qadsiah), Atalanta possesses the financial means to compete. Their move for Lucca is contingent on the finalization of the Retegui deal, which faces bureaucratic delays. Atalanta coach Ivan Juric also plans to assess his current attacking options (El Bilal Touré, potentially Daniel Maldini and Charles De Ketelaere) before making a final decision. This means Atalanta is not rushing but remains “awake” and ready to react decisively if Napoli makes a concrete push for Lucca, potentially leading to a bidding war.
In essence, Napoli`s attacking reinforcement strategy is multifaceted and heavily reliant on the outcome of the Osimhen saga. The club is casting a wide net, balancing ambitious targets like Nunez and Chiesa with potentially more attainable options like Lookman and Lucca, all while navigating price discrepancies and competition from rival clubs. The coming weeks promise to be busy as Napoli looks to build a squad capable of executing Conte`s vision.