Napoli, from Pavoletti to Zaza: an analysis of Napoli’s transfer market

With Milik injured and Gabbiadini struggling, Napoli must look to the transfer market in order to find solutions. Their attention is firmly placed on Leonardo Pavoletti. Aurelio De Laurentiis has already called Preziosi in order to make known his interest for the Genoa player, but Genoa’s number one does not intend to enter negotiations in January unless there exists a concrete possibility to find a suitable replacement. The desire of the player is to remain at Genoa until June, but Napoli still hope to find the right arguments to convince the player and Genoa. A good relationship between Pavoletti and Giuntoli, Naploi’s sports director, gives some optimism to those within Naples.

The alternative was and remains Lapadula, but his goal against Palermo has complicated his potential acquisition. If the new Italy international returns to consistently sit on the bench until the transfer window reopens, then maybe there will be an opportunity for Napoli.

Another possibility is Simone Zaza who needs five more appearances in order for West Ham to purchase him on a permanent basis. If West Ham choose not to play him, it would be counterproductive for Juventus and West Ham to keep the player in England. Nonetheless, Napoli hope to bide their time in order to avoid Juventus obtaining a position strength, given the desperate need Napoli have for a striker. Napoli would still hope to purchase Zaza on loan. The biggest obstacles to his acquisition are his salary (it is 3.5 million at West Ham; however, it will be reduced if or when he returns to Italy), and his image rights.

A potential Kalinic-Gabbiadini swap appears more distant. It is a potential deal which will be evaluated at a later time with reference to the willingness of the players involved and the Serie A standings.

If all else failed, there would be the chance that Napoli would look to bring back Duvan Zapata from Udinese. Although Udinese would not want him to leave, Napoli could trigger a clause of one million in order to bring him back irrespective of Udinese’s stance.