Napoli’s twelve transfer targets revealed

NAPLES, ITALY - MAY 20: Players of SSC Napoli celebrate the victory after the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Crotone at Stadio San Paolo on May 20, 2018 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY - MAY 20: Players of SSC Napoli celebrate the victory after the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Crotone at Stadio San Paolo on May 20, 2018 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images) /
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SOCHI, RUSSIA – JUNE 19: Bernd Leno of Germany looks on prior to the FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017 Group B match between Australia and Germany at Fisht Olympic Stadium on June 19, 2017 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
SOCHI, RUSSIA – JUNE 19: Bernd Leno of Germany looks on prior to the FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017 Group B match between Australia and Germany at Fisht Olympic Stadium on June 19, 2017 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) /

Goalkeepers

Pepe Reina is only continuing to age, and even the best of players begin to deteriorate with age. That said, it’s important Napoli look to improve in this position, and it’s what they are doing by shortlisting these three players…

Bernd Leno

Bernd Leno’s departure from Bayer Leverkusen seems like only a matter of time now, as the German club recently announced the signing of Lukas Hradecky from Eintracht Frankfurt. He didn’t have his greatest season to date, but he’s still very talented, and signing a younger keeper may be a good idea to replace the soon-to-be 36-year-old Pepe Reina.

Rui Patricio

Rui Patricio is a Sporting legend who’s been with the club for his entire career, but due to the unfortunate circumstances currently surrounding the club, there’s a very good chance that we see Patricio (along with many of his teammates) leave this summer.

He led the Portuguese league in clean sheets this year (17) and was a key part in Portugal’s Euro 2016 championship. Given that his price will presumably be lower than anticipated, he may very well be Napoli’s next goalkeeper.

Alphonse Areola

Alphonse Areola seems more unrealistic, as it’s hard to imagine that PSG would part with their starting goalkeeper. There have been some whispers of Gianluigi Buffon heading to Paris, but even if that did happen, Buffon would likely be more of a mentor for Areola anyway. If PSG is going to sell a keeper this summer, it’ll be Kevin Trapp.