Udinese star Gerard Deulofeu is reportedly hell-bent on completing a dream move to Napoli after reaching a verbal agreement with the southern giants. As reported by Calciomercato, a multi-year contract worth around €2m per year plus add-ons is in place as the player hopes to force his departure from Dacia Arena.
Deulofeu has recently emerged as one of the top targets for Napoli. With long-serving captain Lorenzo Insigne on his way to join MLS franchise Toronto, the Partenopei are frantically looking for a top-class forward to fill the void.
Insigne’s imminent move across the Atlantic is not the only reason for concern in the Napoli camp. In fact, the club’s all-time top goalscorer Dries Mertens is on the verge of exiting the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on a free transfer.
Mertens’ likely farewell would leave head coach Luciano Spalletti with just Matteo Politano as the only natural winger in the squad. Adam Ounas is another option on the wing. Yet, the Algerian has failed to live up to the billing since arriving from Bordeaux in 2017.
On the other hand, Deulofeu has been one of the best-performing wingers in Serie A over the past two years. He was particularly prolific in 2021/22, racking up 13 goals and five assists in 34 league appearances to achieve his most prolific season.
It is not only about the stats. Deulofeu’s tactical prowess and ability to dribble past defenders make him one of the most exciting forwards to watch in Serie A. His dazzling showings at Udinese could soon be rewarded with a high-profile switch.
It is understood that Udinese are ready to sanction the 28-year-old’s move as long as they bank around €15-20m. That price tag should be well within Napoli’s reach. Therefore, there’s a genuine feeling that Deulofeu may wear the coveted blue shirt next term.