Sunderland are interested in Napoli’s Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa but their task is getting difficult.
The midfielder has had an injury-stricken campaign at the Naples club. This has led to Napoli backing away over a contract renewal. His current deal runs until 2027.
This has led to the local press talking up Sunderland’s interest again. Sport Witness covered those original claims, as Il Mattino confirmed that the Black Cats tried to sign the midfielder last summer. Napoli stopped him from leaving but this can change in the summer.
There have been no developments regarding a contract in the last few weeks. This means that Zambo Anguissa is increasingly headed towards the exit door and Napoli are considering his sale.
Today’s Il Mattino provides some updates about where the player’s future can lie.
Offer on the table
The newspaper reports Besiktas are keen on signing Zambo-Anguissa. They are desperate for a midfield signing, having put forward €15m to sign him. The Turkish side are serious and Napoli haven’t opposed a sale, even if they want around €20m to sign the Cameroon international permanently.
Besiktas’ response is yet to be seen but this is a fair warning to Sunderland.
This is also true because Zambo Anguissa isn’t convinced about joining them. Napoli are trying to convince him, especially as they’re getting significant money from the deal and he is being offered good wages.
This can leave the door open for the Black Cats, with the player likely to accept a return to England.
Our take: Deal in initial phases
In recent days, SportWitness have covered Besiktas’ interest in Granit Xhaka, which shows that they’re looking across Europe for opportunities to sign a midfielder.
Their liking for Xhaka is intriguing because Zambo Anguissa – like the ex-Arsenal player, is Premier League experienced and seems to have unfinished business in England. He is also unlikely to cost much because of his contract situation.
Tactically though, Xhaka and Zambo Anguissa are different players. The Switzerland international sits deeper and holds position but the ex-Fulham man likes to advance into attack. The two would be much better playing together.
That is what Sunderland should try in the summer. Zambo Anguissa has had injury worries but since he won’t cost much, a move for him could be worth the risk.
