Rudi Garcia is eager to see Napoli reinforce their midfield in the summer transfer window and reportedly has two players in mind as his top choices. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Sassuolo’s Maxime Lopez and Hertha BSC’s Lucas Tousart have emerged as the Frenchman’s priorities.
Garcia has to carry a heavy burden. After replacing Scudetto-winning manager Luciano Spalletti at the end of last season, the ex-Roma boss has yet to complete his first signing. Unfortunately, the first piece of business he oversaw at the helm of Napoli was Kim Min-jae’s move to Bayern Munich.
Piotr Zielinski, another significant first-team cog, could be the next in line to leave the Diego Maradona Stadium. However, the Pole has reportedly rejected an approach from Saudi Arabia to hang onto his deal at Napoli. His situation is still open for interpretation, meaning the Partenopei cannot take any chances.
Stanislav Lobotka and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa are untouchable after forging the backbone of Napoli’s historic success last season. But Garcia wouldn’t mind expanding his midfield options.
Lopez is his first choice, as the two worked together at Marseille. The 25-year-old has gone from strength to strength since swapping Ligue 1 for Sassuolo in 2020, earning broad plaudits for his impressive showings at the Mapei Stadium.
Tousart could be another potential option for Napoli. Like in Lopez’s case, Garcia knows him well, having coached the 26-year-old at Lyon. But as Hertha’s vice-captain, he would be a far less attainable target.
 |
Follow us on Google News for more updates on Serie A and Italian football |