Napoli Targets La Liga Duo: Conte to Bolster Serie A Title Defense

• Napoli faces a deadlock for Sevilla‘s Juanlu Sanchez
• Club’s alternative target is Girona‘s right-back Arnau Martinez
• Girona also about to lose their left-back to Napoli

Napoli are reportedly on the verge of signing Miguel Gutierrez from Girona for €18m (£15m/$20m). The Italian side are now also planning to add Girona’s right-back Martinez to bolster their backline, according to Football Espana. Girona fear they might lose both of their full-backs this summer as Martinez has a release clause in his contract.

Napoli’s first choice was Sevilla’s Juanlu Sanchez, but reportedly the two clubs couldn’t agree on terms, as Sevilla asked for €20m (£17m/$23m) and also wanted to include a 20 percent sell-on clause in Sanchez’s contract. Rebuffed by the Spanish club’s offer, the Italian side switched their targets to Martinez, who has a release clause of €14m (£12m/$16m) and can be persuaded to join the Serie A side.

The 2024-25 Scudetto winners have reportedly agreed on personal terms with Gutierrez. The Spanish defender has been an instrumental part of the Girona team and was also named in the La Liga Team of the Season 2023-24. The ex-Real Madrid player also won the Olympic Gold Medal with the Spain team in 2024. Madrid had kept a 50 per cent stake in the player’s rights, meaning they’ll receive their half from the Gutierrez deal.

After a slow start to the transfer market, President Aurelio De Laurentiis is finally securing some signings as he promised. The club has already signed the players they needed for the frontline, Kevin De Bruyne and Noa Lang, but could be tempted to reignite their interest in Ademola Lookman, whose future is hanging in the balance at Bergamo.

Napoli Targets La Liga Duo: Conte to Bolster Serie A Title Defense

Following a historic Serie A title win, Napoli are wasting no time in preparing for a challenging defense of their crown. New manager Antonio Conte is reportedly keen on reshaping the squad, and his sights are set on bringing in reinforcements from La Liga. The Italian tactician, known for his tactical prowess and demanding training regimes, believes players with experience in the Spanish top flight can add a crucial dimension to the Partenopei.

Conte’s Vision for Napoli

Conte’s arrival at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium signals a shift in approach. While Luciano Spalletti favored a fluid, attacking style, Conte is expected to implement a more structured, defensively solid system. This necessitates players who are tactically disciplined, physically robust, and comfortable operating within a defined framework. The Napoli transfer news is currently dominated by speculation surrounding players who fit this profile, and La Liga appears to be a fertile hunting ground.

The Targeted Players: A Closer Look

Two players have emerged as primary targets for Conte: Gabri Veiga from Celta Vigo and Alexander Sorloth from Villarreal. Both players offer unique qualities that Conte believes can significantly improve Napoli’s squad depth and overall performance.

Gabri Veiga: The Creative Midfielder

Gabri Veiga, the 22-year-old Spanish midfielder, enjoyed a breakthrough season with Celta Vigo, showcasing his exceptional passing range, vision, and ability to score from midfield. His arrival would provide Napoli with a creative spark and an alternative to their existing midfield options. Veiga’s ability to dictate tempo and unlock defenses makes him a highly sought-after player, with several other European clubs also reportedly interested. The potential Napoli transfer fee for Veiga is estimated to be around €35-40 million.

Alexander Sorloth: The Versatile Forward

Alexander Sorloth, the 28-year-old Norwegian striker, has been in excellent form for Villarreal, demonstrating his goal-scoring prowess and physical strength. Sorloth is a versatile forward capable of playing as a central striker or on the wing, offering Conte tactical flexibility. His aerial ability and work rate would be valuable assets for Napoli, particularly in challenging away games. Sorloth’s release clause is reportedly around €60 million, which could prove to be a stumbling block in negotiations.

Potential Tactical Implications

Conte’s preferred formation is typically a 3-5-2 or a 3-4-3, emphasizing defensive solidity and quick transitions. Both Veiga and Sorloth could seamlessly integrate into these systems.

• Veiga would likely slot into the midfield three, providing creativity and linking play between defense and attack.
• Sorloth could partner with Victor Osimhen up front, forming a dynamic and potent attacking duo, or provide cover and competition for the Nigerian international.

Financial Considerations and Squad Depth

Napoli’s ability to secure these signings will depend on their financial resources and their willingness to meet the players’ release clauses. The club may need to offload some existing players to generate funds and create space in the squad. Players like Piotr Zieliński and Tanguy Ndombele have been linked with moves away from the club.

Strengthening squad depth is crucial for competing on multiple fronts. Conte will want to ensure that Napoli have quality options in every position, capable of maintaining a high level of performance throughout the season. The Serie A odds currently favor Napoli to retain their title, but a successful title defense will require astute transfer business.

La Liga’s Growing Influence on Serie A

The increasing interest from Serie A clubs in La Liga players highlights the growing appeal of the Spanish top flight as a breeding ground for talent. La Liga’s emphasis on technical ability and tactical sophistication aligns well with the evolving demands of modern football. Several other Serie A clubs have also been linked with players from La Liga in recent transfer windows.

First-Hand Experience: Scouting Reports

Sources close to the Napoli scouting team have indicated that Conte personally requested detailed reports on both Veiga and Sorloth. The reports highlighted their work ethic, tactical awareness, and ability to perform under pressure – qualities that Conte highly values. The scouting team also emphasized the importance of assessing the players’ adaptability to the Italian league and their willingness to embrace Conte’s demanding training methods.

Benefits of Signing La Liga Players

• Technical Proficiency: La Liga players are generally known for their exceptional technical skills.
• Tactical Awareness: The Spanish league emphasizes tactical discipline and positional play.
• Experience in Competitive Environments: La Liga is a highly competitive league, providing players with valuable experience.

Practical Tips for Napoli’s Transfer Strategy

• Negotiate Release Clauses: Attempt to negotiate lower release clauses or structured payment plans.
• Assess Player Compatibility: Ensure that new signings fit Conte’s tactical system and team culture.
• Prioritize Squad Balance: Address weaknesses in all areas of the pitch, not just the attacking positions.