Napoli’s impressive rise to the top of the Serie A table has surprised many, especially considering their struggles last season when they finished in tenth place. The impact of coach Antonio Conte has been evident, as the club’s summer investments totaling €150 million have begun to pay off. However, to maintain their competitive edge, Napoli are now looking to bolster their squad further, particularly in defense.
Calciomercato report that the immediate priority for Napoli is to secure a central defender. While the current pairing of Amir Rrahmani and Alessandro Buongiorno has proven to be solid, the depth in that position is a concern. Buongiorno’s backup, Juan Jesus, has not been performing at his best, with his disastrous debut against Verona highlighting the need for a more reliable alternative. Therefore, Napoli is actively seeking a defender who can step in when needed without compromising the team’s stability.
Sporting director Mauro Manna is already on the lookout for potential signings as the January transfer window approaches. While no deals have been finalized yet, several names are being considered. Among them is Ko Itakura from Borussia Monchengladbach, a 26-year-old central defender whose contract situation may allow for a reasonable transfer fee. However, securing his services could be challenging as he is a key player for the German club.
Other targets include Jakub Kiwior from Arsenal and Bijol from Udinese, both of whom could provide valuable depth to Napoli’s defense. Additionally, there is interest in Dragusin, who previously caught Napoli’s attention before moving to Tottenham but has struggled for playing time there.
With no European competitions this season, Napoli does not require extensive rotation within their squad. Their focus will primarily be on Serie A and the Coppa Italia. The attacking lineup appears strong, but there may be future considerations regarding players like Giacomo Raspadori or Folorunsho.
Conte’s only uncertainty lies in the full-back positions. Leonardo Spinazzola has not yet proven to be a dependable alternative to Mathias Olivera, which raises questions about potential acquisitions if opportunities arise. On the right side, Mazzocchi has shown consistency when called upon and does not require immediate replacement.
