Napoli’s search for a new central defender continues as the club looks to bolster its backline for the upcoming season. The Serie A giants, under the guidance of Antonio Conte, have been actively scouting potential additions to strengthen their squad.
Calciomercato report how In January, Napoli’s pursuit of young Pietro Comuzzo, the promising 19-year-old defender from Fiorentina, fell short. The Florence-based club demanded €40 million for their prized asset, while Napoli’s sporting director Giovanni Manna was only willing to offer €35 million including bonuses. Despite the failed January move, Manna remains interested in securing Comuzzo’s services for the next season.
However, Napoli may face stiff competition for Comuzzo’s signature, with Juventus potentially entering the fray. The Turin club, now with former Napoli executive Cristiano Giuntoli at the helm, could complicate matters for the Partenopei.
As Napoli explores alternative options, Oumar Solet of Udinese has emerged as a potential target. The 23-year-old French defender joined Udinese in October after terminating his contract with Red Bull Salzburg. Since his arrival in Serie A, Solet has quickly established himself as a regular starter for Udinese, featuring in five matches and only missing one due to suspension.
Solet’s market value is estimated to be between €15-20 million, significantly less than Comuzzo’s price tag. This more affordable option could prove attractive to Napoli, especially if they face difficulties in securing their primary targets.
The defensive reinforcement search comes at a crucial time for Napoli, as they look to maintain their competitive edge in Serie A. The recent 1-1 draw against Udinese, where Solet featured prominently, may have given the Napoli management a closer look at the French defender’s capabilities.
