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Napoli’s twelve transfer targets revealed

By Zack Nelson

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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EIBAR, SPAIN – MARCH 10: Karim Benzema of Real Madrid reacts during the La Liga match between SD Eibar and Real Madrid at Ipurua Municipal Stadium on March 10, 2018 in Eibar, Spain . (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
EIBAR, SPAIN – MARCH 10: Karim Benzema of Real Madrid reacts during the La Liga match between SD Eibar and Real Madrid at Ipurua Municipal Stadium on March 10, 2018 in Eibar, Spain . (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images) /

Wingers

Simeone Verdi

The heart and soul of Bologna this season, Simone Verdi was directly involved in HALF of his teams’ goals, posting an aesthetically pleasing 10 goals and 10 assists. He seems ready to take a step up and join one of the elite Italian clubs, and this would not be a bad signing for Napoli.

Federico Chiesa

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However, they could also land a player who’s just as talented, has a much higher ceiling, and is five years younger.

Federico Chiesa had a breakout season this year with Fiorentina, scoring 6 goals and 5 assists while starting all but 3 Serie A matches and playing the third-most minutes on the team – unheard of for a 20 year-old.

He’s a talented, versatile player whose dribbling skills and ability to beat defenders make him exciting to watch, and he’ll presumably get better with each passing season. This would be a fantastic signing for Napoli.

Suso

Suso was a surprising one to see, mostly because a move to Napoli seems far-fetched. He was Milan’s best attacking player this season, and even though they didn’t qualify for the Champions League, Milan is still a big enough club to not let Napoli poach their players.

It’s important to remember Milan is still rebuilding and trying to find an identity, and they’re not going to let anyone interrupt that.

Strikers

Karim Benzema

Last but not least, the only striker on Di Marzio’s list is Karim Benzema. With Cristiano Ronaldo transitioning to more of a striker in the latter stages of his career, there isn’t much room for Benzema anymore.

This Saturday will possibly be the last time we see him in a Madrid shirt. The main issue I see with this move, though, is that Carlo Ancelotti mainly plays a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1: both formations with one striker.

Given how well Dries Mertens has played over the past few years, Napoli probably won’t be in the market for a striker, and Benzema obviously wouldn’t come to Napoli if he can’t be the outright starter.

Next: Champions League final preview, team news & prediction

If Napoli can manage to bring in, say, 5 players from this list, they’ll be serious title contenders next season. It should be an exciting summer in Naples.

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