Napoli are intensifying their pursuit of Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman as they race in opposition to time to safe a substitute for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia earlier than the January switch window closes, Soccernet.ng reviews.
The Serie A champions just lately bid farewell to Kvaratskhelia, who joined Paris Saint-Germain in a €75 million transfer, leaving a significant inventive void within the squad.
Napoli had initially explored a deal for Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, however talks with the Premier League giants have did not progress.
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Lookman, who gained the Africa Participant of the 12 months award in December, has emerged as a powerful various, with Napoli contemplating a swap deal involving ahead Giacomo Raspadori.
In line with Tuttosport through Napoli Journal, Napoli’s sporting director Giovanni Manna has been in discussions with Atalanta, who’ve expressed a eager curiosity in Raspadori.
Nevertheless, any potential deal hinges on Atalanta’s willingness to let Lookman go, which stays unsure.
The Bergamo-based membership are reluctant to half methods with the Nigerian ahead mid-season, significantly given his key position in Gian Piero Gasperini’s setup.
Previously on the books of Everton, Fulham, and Leicester Metropolis, Lookman himself reportedly has a desire for a return to the Premier League on the finish of the season, with Arsenal and Liverpool long-time admirers. Manchester United have additionally been linked with the Tremendous Eagles star in earlier switch home windows.
Former Actual Madrid and Italy striker Antonio Cassano has backed Lookman as an excellent addition for Napoli.
The 27-year-old has been considered one of Serie A’s standout performers since becoming a member of Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022, impressing along with his tempo, dribbling capacity, and eye for aim.
In 105 appearances for Atalanta, Lookman has delivered a powerful 46 objectives and 25 assists throughout all competitions. This season alone, he has registered 14 objectives and 7 assists in 27 video games, a outstanding return for a winger.
Whereas Napoli stay eager on bringing Lookman to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, negotiations are anticipated to be advanced. Atalanta’s president, Antonio Percassi, is just not wanting to lose considered one of his most respected belongings, particularly because the membership pushes for a powerful end in Serie A and Europe.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns right into a ball of ardour when writing about Nigerian soccer and its abilities, whether or not rising stars or established legends, domestically and overseas.
From the deepest corners of the Center East, to the inexperienced fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the wealthy soils of Africa, Imhons is greater than glad, normally with a glass of a tasty drink close by, to seize the essence of the sport, by connecting the dots between tradition, identification, and soccer.