Napoli market, for the new midfield big man we fish from rivals
Calciomercato Napoli: Kevin De Bruyne injured and long-term absence is not Antonio Conte’s only midfield headache. In fact, in the coming months the Azzurri will also have to give up another big name like Frank Anguissa, who will take part in the African Cup of Nations. That’s why reinforcing the department is the top priority of the reigning champions of Italy, who are also making moves by looking at the homes of some big rivals.
One of the favored profiles is that of Lorenzo Pellegrini, whose contract with Roma expires at the end of the season and who could be the next piece in a puzzle of Gattuso’s national team staples all in Naples during the year. However, the Giallorossi captain, after a difficult start to the season, is moving up in Gian Piero Gasperini’s hierarchies and the feasibility of the deal remains to be understood. Clearly, in case his renewal is not just around the corner, a January departure would make all parties happy.
Napoli is also following Fabio Miretti with great attention, however. The 2003-born Piedmontese remains on the Juventus sidelines even after Luciano Spalletti’s arrival, although his Champions League debut against Sporting could be a game-changer. The big doubt concerns his physical condition, which has heavily affected his growth since last summer. If the coming weeks do not represent a turning point for him, the Azzurri’s call-up could represent a major opportunity.
Fundamental, however, is to close a purchase in time so as not to leave Antonio Conte’s available blanket too short for too long. That is why Napoli is also operating on two other tracks, which instead lead abroad. The first one leads to Lisbon and concerns Alisson Santos, Sporting’s 2002 class talent. However, Kobbie Mainoo, who is just 20 years old and would represent another great acquisition from Manchester United after Scott McTominay, also continues to like him very much. Dialogue has been open since the summer; the player would say yes to a loan deal to find more space on the pitch. Evident, however, that taking the place of Anguissa and De Bruyne could prove to be perhaps too much of a burden for his still inexperienced shoulders.
