Of all the Serie A departures this summer, the most emotional farewell was in Naples, where Lorenzo Insigne said goodbye to the club he loves and that adores him.
But all good things come to an end and, after 12 seasons at his hometown team where he scored 96 goals in 337 league games, Insigne has headed for new pastures in the MLS with Toronto. Gli Azzurri wanted to keep their talisman but could only offer the 31-year-old a reduced wage which prompted his decision to head to Canada.
“A new adventure begins, both for me and my family,” he said. “It’s the first time we’ve moved away from Naples. The President spoke highly of this splendid city. I am proud to be here and can’t wait to meet the coach, my teammates and the fans.”
The Azzurri star is already sadly missed at the Stadio Diego Maradona and head coach Luciano Spalletti has made finding a replacement his top priority.
Napoli’s top four rivals are all working hard in the market. Juventus need to invest with the impending departures of Paulo Dybala, Federico Bernardeschi, Giorgio Chiellini, and Alvaro Morata leaving gaps in their squad.
And the Milan clubs are busy too.
2022 Scudetto winners AC Milan are hoping to wrap up a deal to bring Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech to San Siro, while Inter have already welcomed Romelu Lukaku back to the club. And another impending transfer in Milan may open an opportunity for Spalletti to find a replacement for Insigne.
Paulo Dybala’s potential move from Turin to Milan might have a knock on effect as it could mean I Nerazzurri may be happy to offload their Argentine forward Joaquin Correa just 12 months after he arrived at the club. In four seasons at Lazio, Correa scored 22 goals in 92 games and he bagged six in 26 for Inter last term.
He could be the perfect replacement for Insigne, usually playing in a deep-lying forward role or as a supporting striker. His ball control, pace, and agility means he can also play out wide and, at a price of around €25-M, he could be the man for Spalletti.
The boss is looking for someone to play alongside Victor Osimhen and Hirving Lozano and he will want to get his business done a soon as possible.
The pre-season Serie A 2022 betting odds here at SBOTOP pitch Napoli as fourth favourites for the 2023 Scudetto, and this is a gap the head coach needs to fill if his side is to mount a serious challenge.
If Dybala’s move to Inter is confirmed, then Correa may well make room for his compatriot and head south to Naples. As an Argentina international, he would be instantly loved by the fans who idolise the late genius Diego Maradona.
Napoli have already announced the signing of a winger. Georgian star Kvicha Kvaratskhelia has signed on a permanent transfer from Dinamo Batumi, where he played after leaving Russian side Rubin in April. The 21-year-old has a promising future and will start the season as a squad player.
Keep hold of Osimhen and Koulibaly
While Spalletti is working hard to bring in reinforcements, particularly in attack, he needs to keep a close eye on the exit door too as the wealthy clubs of Europe are keeping tabs on Napoli’s biggest stars.
Most of the attention is coming from the Premier League where both Arsenal and Newcastle are reported to be interested in a move for Osimhen, who scored 18 goals in 32 appearances last term despite a long lay-off with a facial injury.
The Magpies went after the Nigerian star in January and are back again. But the Italian press has reported that Osimhen doesn’t fancy a move to either club as he wants to play Champions League football, which he already has at Napoli.
But money is no object for Newcastle, and their owners will be keen to make a marquee signing; so Spalletti will hope that Osimhen stays firm.
In other Serie A 2022 news and at the other end of the Napoli pitch, all eyes are on Kalidou Koulibaly, who has emerged as a main target for Chelsea who are still looking to replace the departed Antonio Rudiger.
Last season, Napoli conceded the equal fewest goals in Serie A, 31 in 38 league games and Koulibaly is the rock at the heart of Gli Azzurri’s defence. He also presents a threat going forward, making three assists and scoring three goals last term from 27 appearances. The Senegalese star is entering the last year of his contract in Naples so this is a dangerous time for the club.
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