Napoli want to sign Borussia Monchengladbach star Denis Zakaria to improve their midfield if they cannot sign another Arsenal target in Sander Berge, per Gazzetta dello Sport.
Azzurri President Aurelio De Laurentiis has tasked Sporting Director Cristiano Giuntoli with sourcing new engine room occupants. The Stadio Diego Armanda Maradona side have lost Diego Demme to injury, while Tiemoue Bakayoko has returned to Chelsea.
Berge is Giuntoli’s top target to improve Luciano Spalletti’s midfield and has been speaking with Sheffield United for months. The Norwegian’s characteristics are perfect for what the Azzurri are looking for, as he is strong but technical. But the Blades’ asking price is too high.
Napoli cannot afford any large summer investments, so could turn from one Arsenal target in Berge to another in Zakaria. Jeunes Footeux have linked the Gunners with interest in the Blades maestro. The French cite claimed they made a €20m (£17m) bid in May, as well.
The Mirror have also linked Arsenal with Zakaria this summer, suggesting he was a leading target to replace Granit Xhaka. The Swiss was due to join Roma, but Mikel Arteta has since ruled out the midfielder joining Jose Mourinho’s side.
Napoli could now be Zakaria’s best route out of Monchengladbach, as the Mirror add the Arsenal target wants to leave. The Serie A side believe the fellow Swiss midfielder will offer the physicality they are now missing. While Die Fohlen only want €20m (£17m) to sell.
Yet Napoli cannot afford Monchengladbach’s price so would request they loan Zakaria with an obligation to buy next year. Giuntoli also believes the figure is disproportionate for the Azzurri’s needs, but has passed his file on to De Laurentiis. Now, the decision to bid is his.
Napoli could deny Arsenal a remarkable midfielder in Gladbach star Zakaria
While Xhaka is no longer leaving Arsenal, Napoli could deny Arteta a remarkable midfielder in Borussia Monchengladbach star Zakaria. Especially as Gazzetta Dello Sport claim his Bundesliga side only want £17m to sell, a fee the Gunners could offer.
The 24-year-old is a commanding figure in the engine room at 6 ft 3 and offers a goal threat. He also eats ground for breakfast, makes intense sprints for fun, is great in the tackle and is smooth on the ball.
Yann Sommer also likens Arsenal and Napoli target Zakaria to two greats of the game. He said, via Bundesliga.com: “It’s not easy to compare him to the greats of the past, but he combines many qualities that were really defined by Michel Platini and Zinedine Zidane.”
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