Last season, Napoli were at the cusp of Champions League qualification, but eventually fell one goal short from a Top Four finish.
Unsurprisingly, Gennaro Gattuso was unceremoniously sacked following this major disappointment, as the club decided to install a true veteran on their deck.
After two years on the shelf, Luciano Spalletti returns to management once again, and will lead the southerners’ charge next season.
Nonetheless, the management first needs to fix some of the holes present in the squad, and here are four players that would probably fit the bill – at least in our own opinion.
Right-Back: Mattia De Sciglio (Juventus)
Transfer dealings between Juventus and Napoli can be a little complicated, but this one would make sense for both parties.
In Giovanni Di Lorenzo, the Partenopei already have a reliable first choice right-back, but Elseid Hysaj followed his mentor, Maurizio Sarri, to Lazio, leaving Kevin Malcuit as the only backup left.
The Frenchman returns from a forgettable loan spell at Fiorentina, and has never looked the same after suffering from a serious injury few years ago.
Therefore, Mattia De Sciglio – who didn’t embarrass himself during his time at Lyon – would provide decent cover on both flanks, even if doesn’t represent the most exciting of signings.
#Everton are keen on signing on signing Juventus right-back, Mattia De Sciglio.
The Italian is set to enter the final year of his contract and Juventus are keen to offload him.
De Sciglio spent the season at Lyon, playing 34 times registering 3 assists.
[Via, CalcioMercato] pic.twitter.com/pzUXL20pQv
— Everton Extra (@Everton_Extra) June 27, 2021
Left-Back: Emerson Palmieri (Chelsea)
This one should be in the bag for Napoli. After impressing under Spalletti’s tutelage at Roma, the Italo-Brazilian earned a move to Chelsea.
However, his time in West London has proven to be a difficult one, and was relegated to a third choice left wingback behind Ben Chilwell and Marcos Alonso.
Nonetheless, Roberto Mancini kept faith in the player, and still relies on his services with the Azzurri.
The 26-year-old has been linked with several other top Italian sides – including Inter and Juventus – but a reunion with his former coach should tip the scale in favor of the southerners.
Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti about Emerson Palmieri as target: “I can’t say if I called Emerson to join Napoli or not… maybe yes, maybe it’s happened”, he said laughing. ??? #Napoli #CFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 8, 2021
Center Midfielder: Morten Thorsby (Sampdoria)
With Tiémoué Bakayoko’s loan spell expired, Napoli have a shortage in their midfield department. Moreover, Fabian Ruiz has been linked with a return to his home country of Spain.
Allowing the Spaniard to leave would to prove to be a major setback for Napoli, but the Frenchman can be replaced by another hardman in the form of Morten Thorsby.
Although his technical skills leave much to be desired, the Norwegian proved to be a reliable force in the middle of the pitch last season with Sampdoria.
The 25-year-old is being linked with a move to the Partenopei, and he would provide some competition for Diego Demme.
Napoli would like to sign a versatile midfielder who can perform several roles, such as Florian Grillitsch, Sander Berge or Morten Thorsby. They could take two midfielders if Fabián Ruiz leaves this summer. (@Gazzetta_it)
— SSC Nap⚽️li News (@SSCNapoliNews_) July 11, 2021
Attacking Midfielder: Charles De Ketelaere (Club Brugge)
According to the latest reports, the likes of Napoli and Milan are all interested in the 20-year-old attacking midfielder.
Whilst the club’s attacking department is surely impressive with the presence of the likes of Lorenzo Insigne, Victor Osimhen and Dries Mertens, this seems to be the right time to invest on a long-term heir for the latter.
The Club Brugge youngster is tall and physical, but at the same time blessed with a brilliant technical touch that allows him to score and create goals.
Aurelio De Laurentiis would do well to steal him before bigger sharks take notice of his talents.
?? Belgian U21 international Charles De Ketelaere (20) looks set to leave Club Brugge with both Atalanta and Milan in talks to sign the talented midfielder. pic.twitter.com/BK9VTpcZ1B
— Soccer Manager Games (@SoccerManager) July 9, 2021