Napoli have once again failed to convince Udinese to let star winger Gerard Deulofeu move to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. After seeing their initial bid come a cropper, the Partenopei came back with a player-plus-cash offer.
According to Calciomercato, Napoli have offered their outcast Adam Ounas as a makeweight in their bid to lure Deulofeu away from the Dacia Arena but to no avail. Their latest attempt has fallen on Udinese’s deaf ears as the Friulani aim to keep hold of their prized asset.
Napoli are in the market for attacking reinforcements. Lorenzo Insigne is set to complete his long-awaited move across the Atlantic Ocean and sign for Toronto FC. Unfortunately for the Partenopei, the club-record goalscorer Dries Mertens is also on his way out after failing to extend his contract.
With the two long-serving stalwarts rushing through the exit door, Luciano Spalletti is desperate to add to his attacking options. Deulofeu starred for Udinese last season, scoring 13 goals and providing five assists in 34 Serie A appearances.
After helping Udinese to a 12th-place finish, the club’s best joint-best ranking in the past nine seasons, Deulofeu looked ready to move on. Yet, the Friulani are hell-bent on keeping him on board for another season and will fight tooth and nail to make it happen.
Is Deulofeu good enough for Napoli?
Deulofeu had a mixed scoring success in England with Everton and Watford, but he excelled last season in Serie A. In fact, it marked his best campaign in front of goal since playing for Barcelona B.
It was not just a one-off. During his short stint at Milan in 2017, he established himself as one of the league’s best wingers. So Deulofeu enjoys playing in Serie A and could be an ideal signing for Napoli.