Leonardo Pavoletti failed to make any sort of impact at Napoli and could be set for a move to the Premier League with Crystal Palace.
When Napoli sealed the £11 million signing of Genoa forward Leonardo Pavoletti in January, it appeared to be just rewards for a striker who had improved immeasurably in the previous 18 months.
Formerly a journeyman striker who bounced around the Italian lower leagues, the Tuscan-born target man plundered 23 goals in just 44 Serie A appearances for Genoa and looked to be worth every penny for a Napoli side aiming to replace Southampton-bound Manolo Gabbiadini.
Two starts and no goals later, however, it is fair to say Pavoletti’s first six months at the Stadio San Paolo stopped his progression from nomadic forward to potential Italy international in its tracks.
And, according to Tuttomercatoweb, Pavoletti could now be set for his eleventh club in eleven years as he is surplus to requirements at Napoli – possibly due to Arkadiusz Milik’s long-awaited return to full fitness following a cruciate ligament injury sustained a year ago.
Although the report adds that the 28-year-old could soon by plying his trade outside of Italy for the first time in his career with Crystal Palace aiming to add a striker to their ranks before the end of the transfer window.
Benteke’s back-up?
The Eagles are desperately looking for support for Christian Benteke and Pavoletti, a strong centre-forward blessed with superb aerial ability and no little technique, is a similar player to the Belgian and would surely compensate for his infamously fluctuating form in front of goal.
How much Napoli would demand for a striker they paid £11 million for in January remains to be seen but, as Palace have only completed one permanent signing this summer, they should have plenty of funds left over.
The report adds that other names on Palace’s wish list are Roberto Inglese of Chievo and Bologna’s Mattia Destro, who has long been linked with the Premier League.
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