Napoli Transfer Market: The Catalan Eto’o Is More Than Just a Rumor
In the final days of the transfer window, Napoli—which got off to a strong start in Serie A (a 2-0 win on the road against Genoa)—will also have to address several outgoing transfers: Among the players Massimiliano Allegri no longer counts on heavily are Noa Lang and Lorenzo Lucca, although the Livorno native did bring both on in the second half at the Ferraris, when the score was still 0-0.
Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus remains at the top of the wish list, but in recent hours, Marc Guiu’s name has also gained traction. The young Chelsea forward—whom many compare to Samuel Eto’o—represents a possible alternative, even though the English club’s asking price is around 25 million pounds.
As for Gabriel Jesus, the Brazilian born in 1997—who is set to leave Arsenal, where his contract expires in 2027—has reportedly already expressed his interest in a move to Naples. The main obstacle remains his salary: Jesus currently earns approximately 15 million euros gross per season, a figure that requires a significant reduction in his financial demands to make the deal realistically feasible. The player, represented in Italy by Branchini, has no intention of renewing with the Gunners and wants a permanent transfer—ruling out a loan deal—with his priority being to continue his career at a club competing in the Champions League: a requirement that Napoli fully meets.
As for Noa Lang, the most concrete negotiations appear to be with Maurizio Sarri’s Atalanta, which is seeking a left winger following the difficulties that arose in the Conference League. The parties are reportedly close to agreeing on a total fee of 27 million euros, with Napoli preferring a loan with an obligation to buy and the Bergamo-based club leaning toward a simple option to buy. However, Benfica and Galatasaray remain in the background, with the Turkish club having already submitted a 15-million-euro offer deemed insufficient by the Neapolitan club.
Lorenzo Lucca’s situation, on the other hand, is closely tied to Napoli’s attacking signings. The club invested 35 million euros to sign him from Udinese and has no intention of offering a discount or accepting a loan deal. Trabzonspor has shown interest in him, viewing him as a potential reinforcement to pair with Mohamed Salah, while in Italy, Torino has put forward a loan proposal with an option to buy—an option the Neapolitan club does not favor. Genoa and Lazio have also made exploratory inquiries, with Lazio evaluating Lucca as a possible alternative to Mauro Icardi should the Argentine refuse a transfer to the capital.
