Napoli could turn towards Juventus’ defender Daniele Rugani if Kostas Manolas joins Olympiacos by the end of the summer. As reported by Corriere dello Sport, Luciano Spalletti has identified the Italian centre-back as his first-choice defensive target.
La Repubblica claimed that Olympiacos had presented an offer for Manolas, who seems willing to return to his homeland. The 30-year-old, who has spent the past seven years in Serie A, has an €18m price tag pinned on his shoulders.
Although Napoli’s demands are well out of the Greek side’s reach, Manolas’ desire to play for his former club could facilitate the move in the final stage of the transfer window. If the ex-Roma defender leaves the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, the Partenopei could pursue a deal for Rugani.
Rugani has never been a regular in Juventus’ starting line-up for obvious reasons despite carrying a reputation as one of Italy’s finest defenders. Since Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci look likely to hold down their starting berths next term, the 27-year-old could be on the move in the next couple of weeks.
Rugani’s contract in Turin runs out in two years, and now could be perfect timing for Juventus to cash in on his departure. The player’s huge wages could throw a spanner in the works as Napoli may not be able to afford to match his current salary.
Additionally, Merih Demiral’s loan move to Atalanta could hinder the former Sassuolo man’s prospect of leaving. Indeed, Rugani’s departure would leave Massimiliano Allegri with only the abovementioned long-serving duo as centre-back options.
Therefore, Napoli are also exploring the option of launching an assault on Feyenoord’s Marcos Senesi. However, the 24-year-old won’t come cheap either, with the Eredivisie side reportedly asking for €20m to green-light the move.