Napoli are closing in on the signing of Udinese midfielder Lazar Samardzic, while Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is another potential target. Partenopei president Aurelio De Laurentiis took the blame for their disappointing 0-0 draw with Monza on Friday, saying he would be making signings in the January transfer window to bolster the squad.
La Gazzetta dello Sport report that De Laurentiis wants to sign at least two midfielders for coach Walter Mazzarri, who can fit into the team and immediately be used as starters.
The newspaper report that Samardzic has been in their sights for many years now, and see him as a perfect replacement for Eljif Elmas, who is set to join RB Leipzig.
Mazzarri will also have to do without André-Frank Zambo Anguissa in the midfield, due to the African Cup of Nations, so the club are urgently trying to find a solution.
Sevilla’s Boubakary Soumaré (owned by Leicester) is an idea, but the cost is expected to be prohibitive, and this is also why Napoli have sounded out Tottenham for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
Napoli are also looking to bolster their back line and have asked Arsenal for information on Jakub Kiwior and Takehiro Tomiyasu.