Napoli star Piotr Zieliński has been touted for a move to Newcastle United as a decision over his future in Italy looms.
CalcioMercatoWeb reported last week that Newcastle have joined the race to sign to sign Zieliński.
Sky Italia reporter Gianluca Di Marzio has now spoken to Przeglad Sportowy in Zieliński’s native Poland.
Di Marzio claims that many teams have asked Napoli for information about a summer deal for Zieliński.
The Italian noted that Newcastle may be one of them as they are looking for players of Zieliński’s quality if they qualify for European football.
It’s highlighted that Zieliński’s contract ends in 2024 and if Napoli get a good offer now, they are inclined to sell.
Zieliński can leave for absolutely nothing in just over a year and Napoli are seemingly ready to cash in whilst they still can.
“Several strong clubs have recently contacted Napoli about Piotr Zieliński,” said Di Marzio. “Teams have asked the Azzurri for information on a player whose contract will expire in June 2024. I mean Newcastle, which is a team that, if they qualify for European competition, will look for players capable of competing at this level.”
“You have to understand Napoli’s situation. If they get a good offer, they could decide to sell him, if at the moment he does not find an agreement with Zieliński and his entourage on extending the player’s contract. By the way, a year ago coach Luciano Spalletti played a key role in keeping the Pole in Naples. The coach understood how important this player was to the squad. In this case, he “defended” the midfielder, otherwise the club could sell the Pole,” he added.
Piotr Zieliński could help bolster Newcastle’s midfield
Newcastle are expected to spend considerable money in the transfer market this summer and a couple of midfielders will be wanted.
A holding midfielder to protect the back four will be wanted, alongside a more creative player to make an impact in the final third.
Zieliński doesn’t quite doesn’t quite fit either mould perfectly but would be more likely to play an attack-minded role.
The Pole has hit seven goals and 10 assists this season in 36 games this season.
Zieliński has helped Napoli go 19 points clear at the top of the Serie A table with the title almost within reach.
That may give Zieliński a high to go out on, but Newcastle’s interest seems surprising.
Zieliński turns 29 in May and Newcastle have only really gone for players in that age range if they’re experienced Premier League players.
Nick Pope, Chris Wood, Dan Burn and Chris Wood fit that mould, whilst imports have mostly been younger players like Bruno Guimaraes, Sven Botman and Alexander Isak.
Zieliński is a quality player, one branded ‘extraordinary’ by Serie A legend Beppe Bergomi, but we can’t see a move to St James’ Park this summer.
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