Pasquale Salvione, online coordinator for Corriere dello Sport, recently shared his insights on Napoli`s transfer market activities during an interview.
Napoli`s Striker Puzzle: Lucca or Núñez? Or Could Both Arrive?
We are told that both could potentially arrive. Certainly, the meeting between De Laurentiis and Ramadani, reported recently, suggests Napoli is considering a significant investment in attack, possibly targeting Nuñez. Clearly, they are very different profiles, and the costs reflect this. If a player like Núñez was bought for 100 million by Liverpool, there`s a reason why. We`re talking about two strong players with different characteristics and experiences, who could occupy different roles in the team. In my opinion, Napoli hasn`t definitively chosen which path to take yet, partly because, as we`ve often mentioned, both options involve very high costs. I expect the situation to become clearer within a few days.
Also, from what we understand, Osimhen has explicitly asked Napoli not to be disturbed before July 10th, and the club is also taking time for this reason. Osimhen has every right to decide when to discuss the market; he has no obligation otherwise. His only obligation is to report for pre-season training if called upon by the club. He could also decide not to accept any offers and stay in Naples. That is his right, fully within his faculties. That said, it`s clear the situation isn`t simple. In Osimhen`s mind, there`s a desire for a change of scenery, to find a new challenge for his career. And Napoli, for their part, is eager to resolve the situation. If Osimhen were to leave, they would have greater flexibility on the market and a different kind of serenity. The situation risks becoming delicate, much like it was last year.
How Concrete is the Possibility of Seeing Osimhen at Juventus?
The possibilities, as I see it today, are very low. However, you know, in the transfer market, you can never rule anything out. As I always say, in the football market, there are no final verdicts, only postponements. Having said that, Napoli has no intention of strengthening a direct competitor. Obviously, in the face of an unrefusable offer, anything can happen, but if I were to respond provocatively, I`d say that between keeping him or selling him to Juventus, the club would choose to keep him. Furthermore, Juventus is reportedly close to signing David, which further reduces the chances of them pursuing Osimhen.
Bologna`s Stance on Ndoye and Beukema
Regarding Beukema, it`s a complicated negotiation. There`s a date to mark in red here too: July 10th, the deadline after which Lucumi`s well-known release clause expires. Bologna is currently facing difficulties even concerning their coach. If Beukema leaves and someone pays Lucumí`s clause, the coach would have to rebuild the central defensive partnership from scratch. For Ndoye, the economic request is high. Napoli will need patience, hoping that Conte isn`t too demanding and doesn`t insist on immediate signings, especially after getting burned last year with acquisitions made at the end of August.
Noa Lang`s Status
Lang will most likely be Napoli`s third signing. I believe the deal is practically done; only the official announcement is missing. It`s a matter of formality. I expect him to arrive in Italy in the coming days, perhaps even this week, to undergo medical tests in Rome.