Napoli are now evaluating a move to sign Domenico Berardi to replace exit-bound captain, Lorenzo Insigne, against reported rival interest from Arsenal in the Sassuolo star’s transfer.
That’s according to Calciomercato, who report Azzurri president Aurelio De Laurentiis and sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli are starting to turn attentions to the summer window. They must acquire a new forward this year, with Insigne leaving at the end of his contract.
Toronto have already secured Insigne’s services from the summer, after 15 years with his hometown side. Replacing the 30-year-old will not be an easy task, but one option under consideration is to sign Berardi and move Hirving Lozano to then occupy the left-wing slot.
Napoli have a strong interest in Berardi replacing Insigne, but De Laurentiis is uneasy with paying a high transfer fee. His requirements focus on signing younger talents who have a resale value. But he will sanction certain deals outside the remit, such as one for Berardi.
That is if the Italy forward agrees to take a similar wage to the €2m-a-year (£32k-a/w) he earns in Emilia-Romagna. The figure would fall within the Azzurri’s budget, at a time they do not foresee crazy expenses without a resale value after two troubled years financially.
Arsenal can blow Napoli offer out the water for Berardi transfer with Sassuolo
Arsenal can blow Napoli’s offer out the water if De Laurentiis asks Berardi to take a similar wage to his salary with Sassuolo in a transfer to the Diego Armanda Maradona Stadium.
The Gunners are also keen to acquire the 27-year-old this summer, per Calciomercato, as Mikel Arteta targets attacking reinforcements. The Neroverdi will not block his exit, either, with Stefano Aravecchia claiming there is a ‘promise’ to grant a move for €30m (£25m).
But Aravecchia also notes AC Milan are very keen on the right-winger and a move abroad is unlikely. So, the vast wages on offer in the Premier League may be Arsenal’s best route to a transfer for Berardi, who has scored 14 and assisted 14 goals for Sassuolo this season.
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