Napoli Obliged to Expand Their Search for a Midfielder

Napoli have shortlisted more options as they haven’t been able to come to terms for Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay at this stage and have set sights on Antwerp’s Mandela Keita and Girona’s Ivan Martin.

The Partenopei joined a few teams in the race for the former. There’s no agreement on his price tag at this stage. His side has turned offers from them and Southampton in recent weeks. Bologna had contemplated him earlier in the summer. The 24-year-old was bought out after a positive loan spell from OH Leuven. His team spent €8M to acquire him. He has 70 Jupiler League appearances and four assists to his name. He debuted with Belgium last October.

While Napoli will have to negotiate to sign Keita, Martin has an affordable €12M release clause. He’s a fallback at this stage. He contributed to Girona’s glorious 2023/2024 season with 5 goals and 4 helpers in 36 games. He starred for Mirandes and Alaves earlier in his career.

The Partenopei are still keen on their top targets but haven’t made progress as of late. Brighton want to sign a new midfielder before letting go of Gilmour. They are tracking Celtic Glasgow’s Matt O’Riley. Atalanta eventually moved on after getting repelled multiple times.