After completing the sales of Achraf Hakimi to PSG and Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea, Inter are now set to splash a small fraction of the money they received to buy some adequate replacements. Whilst the likes of Edin Dzeko, Joaquin Correa and Duvan Zapata rapidly emerged as potential transfer targets, a surprising name is now being linked with a shocking switch to the Giuseppe Meazza. Born and bred in Napoli, Lorenzo Insigne could be finally set to leave the nest, and seal a move to Inter – at least if the latest reports are to believed.
The Italian’s contract expires by the end of the season, and the negotiations between him and the management aren’t going anywhere. Therefore, club president Aurelio De Laurentiis could be willing to accept an offer between 25 and 30 million euros for his captain.
So let’s see what would be the pros and cons for all parties involved in the rumored transfer.
Pro (Inter): Adding a Top Class Player
The title of the paragraph says it all. Despite some of the difficulties that he faced at times in Napoli, no one can deny the fact that Insigne oozes with talent, and Inter currently lack a player of his style.
The Nerazzurri have lost two of their most impactful players, and thus, adding class to the squad should be their paramount objective.
Insigne *could* leave Napoli this summer & Inter want him ?
Insigne’s agent met with Napoli & they didn’t get anywhere in regards to forward steps to renew (expires next summer)
Due to this, Inter are seriously thinking of going after Lorenzo this summer.
? via Di Marzio pic.twitter.com/19TmUifEkq
— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) August 11, 2021
Con (Inter): Unsuitable for Inzaghi’s Formation
Based on what we’ve seen from the 30-year-old thus far, his favored position is undoubtedly as a winger/striker on the left of an attacking trident. He has been deployed by Roberto Mancini in the same position during Italy’s triumphant European campaign.
Therefore, one must wonder how he’ll fit within Simone Inzaghi’s 3-5-2 formation. The diminutive star would probably have to play as a second striker alongside Lautaro Martinez who would be moved to a more central role. But this proposition could be far from ideal for either player.
? COACHING CHANGE ?
Simone Inzaghi will leave Lazio to become Inter Milan's new coach. He stuck to 3-1-4-2 (or 3-5-2 if you prefer) pretty religiously. Though Lazio conceded more this season than last, our models suggest the players performed better than expected in defending. pic.twitter.com/2tNWm2YtdO
— smarterscout (@smarterscout) May 28, 2021
Pro (Napoli): Fresh Start
As some observers explained, the Partenopei aren’t trying to get rid of their captain because of his contractual situation, but rather due to the role that he played during the infamous mutiny in November 2019.
Although the two parties reconciled later, the incident was never truly forgotten by the club’s patron, and he could regard it as an opportunity to move forward and start a new chapter with younger names.
BOOM! MUTINY IN NAPLES!
Ancelotti and Napoli players have REJECTED to go on concentration for 5 days as the president had out of nowhere ordered yesterday by radio!
I don't recall anything like that has ever happened at such level in the world football.
You gotta love Serie A
— Tancredi Palmeri (@tancredipalmeri) November 5, 2019
Con (Napoli): Losing their Talisman
Even though they have a squad filled with talented players, there’s only one Lorenzo Insigne, and Napoli would surely struggle to replace him if they let him leave towards Inter.
Moreover, the southerners have very few Italian players within their squad, not to mention the lack of Neapolitans. So in the absence of their famous number 24, who would embody the unique spirit of this illusive club?
Losing Lorenzo Insigne would be a massive loss for Napoli. They need to do whatever they can to sign him to a new contract.
He’s their captain and leader. He loves the city and team. Insigne has scored pivotal goals and would be hard to replace. pic.twitter.com/c91trI58TW
— Jerry Mancini (@jmancini8) August 12, 2021
Pro (Insigne): Calmer Atmosphere
A footballer rising to become the captain and primary star of his hometown club is surely the ultimate dream for any young player. But for Insigne, it wasn’t always as smooth as it sounds.
The winger was whistled and insulted at times by his own people for some under-par performances, and a weaker man would have completely cracked under the enormous pressure of the Stadio Maradona crowd.
Nevertheless, Insigne would find a much quieter atmosphere in Milano – inside and outside of the pitch – and he wouldn’t be singled out following every problem that faces the club.
Napoli's Lorenzo Insigne was booed by his own fans last night. His wife responded: "You don't deserve him in Naples." pic.twitter.com/Z4Epn51vHV
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 21, 2014
Con (Insigne): No Place Like Home
Now surely the Napoli fans weren’t always easy on Insigne, but their love and passion for their hero shouldn’t be doubted. Let’s just say that it’s their way of expressing their emotions and he will definitely miss them if he makes the long trip towards Inter.
Whilst the pressure will be lower, so would be the feelings of joy and happiness in the cold north, away from the warmth of his own home.
Napoli fans trying to convince Lorenzo Insigne to stay at the club, amidst interest from Inter
(via @giovanniannun ) pic.twitter.com/RFI40bYt5v— Get Italian Football News (@_GIFN) August 12, 2021
Conclusion
As ever, both pros and cons could be found in this speculated transfer. However, one would feel that the negatives outweighs the positives for all parties involved.