Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa has been thriving since joining Napoli on a season-long loan from Fulham this summer, following reported rival interest from Arsenal and Aston Villa.
The Cameroon international sealed a Deadline Day move to the Serie A outfit as Luciano Spalletti sought late midfield reinforcements. Reports by the Daily Mail claimed the Azzurri boss was thrilled to have acquired the 25-year-old after missing out on Tiemoue Bakayoko.
The British tabloid also cited considerable Premier League interest in the Cottagers ace this summer. Arsenal, Aston Villa and Everton – while Carlo Ancelotti was in charge – explored signing Anguissa following Fulham’s relegation, but the Cottagers issued a £20m valuation.
Napoli eventually agreed a deal with Fulham for Anguissa to spend the season at the Stadio Diego Armanda Maradona. They also have a €15m (£13m) option to buy if the 29-cap star impresses, per Fabrizio Romano. Which, judging by Fabio Rossitto’s early impression, he is.
Rossitto, a former Napoli winger and Udinese icon, has waxed lyrical over Anguissa’s start while speaking with TuttoMercatoWEB. The Cottagers loanee has started each of the two Serie A games available since his move, plus the Azzurri’s Europa League tie with Leicester.
“Devastating,” Rossitto exclaimed. “He’s a dam, an impressive shutter, he can do everything. Play simple and look ahead, orderly and difficult to overcome.”
Will Arsenal or Aston Villa regret not signing Napoli new boy Anguissa from Fulham?
Anguissa has instantly impressed Rossitto with his ability to take command of games from Spalletti’s engine room. He has helped to victories over Juventus and Udinese in the league and held Leicester to a draw.
Arsenal and Aston Villa may rue not signing Anguissa before he left Fulham if he maintains his early Napoli form. The Gunners have struggled to take control of games this term, while Villa have had a mixed start. Both have only won two of their opening five league fixtures.
Mikel Arteta and Dean Smith have also not fielded consistent midfield partnerships in the top-flight. The Arsenal boss has already used Granit Xhaka, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Martin Odegaard, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Thomas Partey in deep-lying roles.
The Villans, meanwhile, have rotated between Marvelous Nakamba, John McGinn, Douglas Luiz and Jacob Ramsey. Carney Chukwuemeka and Ashley Young have also featured once.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
