Napoli are reportedly lining up a double attacking swoop for Hellas Verona’s Giovanni Simeone and Sassuolo’s Giacomo Raspadori. As per Sky Sport Italia, the Partenopei are ready to submit an offer for the Neroverdi starlet amid advanced talks with the Gialloblu for the Cholito.
Long-serving stalwarts Lorenzo Inisgne and Dries Mertens waved goodbye to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona this summer. The duo’s heartbreaking exits have left Napoli short of options in the front third, forcing Luciano Spalletti’s hand.
Simeone, who enjoyed a stellar 2021/22 Serie A season, has reached an agreement with Napoli over personal terms. Spalletti’s men are currently negotiating a compensation fee with Verona, who are inclined to sanction a deal.
Last season, Simeone, 27, tallied 17 goals and six assists from 36 Serie A appearances for mid-table Verona. His outstanding showings have put him on Spalletti’s radar, with Napoli pushing forward to close out the deal on short notice.
While working on the Argentine’s arrival from Marc’Antonio Bentegodi, Napoli are assessing the prospect of launching a significant bid to prise Raspadori away from Sassuolo. Widely considered one of the brightest talents in Serie A, the 22-year-old had been linked with Inter before the return of Romelu Lukaku.
Since Inter are no longer in the picture, a path leading to Raspadori’s signature has opened for Napoli. Aurelio De Laurentiis is a big-time admirer of the Italy international and wants him to be Insigne’s long-term heir in Naples.
Tied to Sassuolo until 2024, Raspadori excelled at the Mapei Stadium last season. In 36 league outings in 2021/22, he netted ten goals and provided six assists as Sassuolo finished in mid-table. But the highly-rated youngster won’t come cheap. It could take up to €30m to get the go-ahead from Sassuolo.
Much will depend on the future of Gianluca Scamacca. The towering centre-forward has a host of suitors outside Serie A and could soon be on the move. But the Neroverdi are unwilling to lose two of their most promising young lads in one transfer window.