Napoli are ‘expecting’ West Ham to raise their bid for midfielder Piotr Zielinski, at which point they will move for Tottenham’s Giovani Lo Celso.
That’s according to La Repubblica, relayed by CalcioNapoli24, who cover the situation around both players today.
First, West Ham’s bid for Zielinski. They say the Hammers have made a first offer for the Poland star but that was considered ‘insufficient’ by Napoli.
They, though, are ‘expecting a new raise’ from West Ham at any moment, at which point they are likely to close a deal for him to move to the London Stadium.
Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis needs €40m if he is to sell one of his star players but there is a belief this figure could be ‘achievable’ through bonuses.
West Ham will then need to convince the player, who is ‘initially reluctant’ to make the move but could be tempted by the offer of a €6m a year contract.
Should a deal be finalised, Napoli would then turn their attention to securing a replacement and their first choice is Lo Celso.
He returned to Tottenham from Villarreal this summer but is not a part of Antonio Conte’s plans and they are willing to loan him out again with a right to buy included in the agreement.
That’s a formula which would suit Napoli, who like other Italian sides are often reluctant to spend their own money.
Indeed, De Laurentiis is known for driving a hard bargain and we’d expect further negotiations with Tottenham so he can secure the best deal possible, even if he does get €40m from West Ham for Zielinski.
