Transfer Market: Two-way race for Acerbi. Napoli Pulls Out

Francesco Acerbi, who became a free agent after leaving Inter last June, will play in Serie A again next season. In recent weeks, the former Nerazzurri defender had been offered to Napoli by his agents, as reported by Fabrizio Romano. It was an interesting option for the Neapolitan club, which, however, did not consider him a good fit for its needs and declined the offer, opting instead to sign Benoit Badiashile from Chelsea.

Two clubs now stand out in the race for Acerbi: the first is Bologna, which is looking for a reliable center back following the failed deal for Diogo Leite, who was signed by Porto. The Rossoblù also need to stay within their budget constraints and view Acerbi’s potential free-agent arrival favorably. Domenico Tedesco himself has given the green light.

Sassuolo, his former club where he played until 2018, is also very interested in the former Italian international. Acerbi will have to lower his salary demands, but a deal is possible.

Acerbi, 38, has played for Inter for the past four years, winning two Serie A titles. Previously, he played for Pavia, Renate, Spezia, Reggina, Chievo, Milan, Sassuolo, and Lazio. Recently, there had also been talk of possible interest from Saudi Arabia—where his former coach, Simone Inzaghi, is currently managing—as well as from Genoa, Torino, and Monza. Acerbi has always expressed a preference for remaining in Serie A. The Lombardy-born defender—a European champion with the national team in 2021—still wants to prove he can play a leading role at the highest level.