Napoli will enter the transfer market in January to search for a full-back. The reason behind this is that the vesuviani are set to lose Faouzi Ghoulam to the Africa Cup of Nations.
 

OK, they have Ivan Strinic who could deputise but coach Maurizio Sarri does not seem convinced by the Croatian international. The 29-year-old has fell behind Christian Maggio, who has made two appearances this season. It’s likely that Sarri will look for someone who is versatile and adept at playing both left and right side. In the summer it seemed as though Davide Santon would be arriving at the club but the Inter man failed a medical and plans were scrapped. Now it seems the focus of attention has switched to Hoffenheim’s Jeremy Toljan, another player who has been on the vesuviani radar this summer. The 22-year-old German has also impressed Sporting Director Giuntoli and would be able to arrive at a competitive price. Another alternative remains Rick Karsdorp, another 22-year-old who plays in the Eredivisie for Feyenoord. Here is a player who has already proved he’s comfortable on either flank but at the moment he’s only an alternative although he is eligible to play in the Champions League.  

In central defence Napoli are covered; Koulibaly is a certainty and Maksimovic is providing good cover for Albiol. Tonelli and Chiriches are ready for action too, the former is not in the current Uefa list but could be inserted of progression is made to the knock-out phase. The other Azzurro who will be in Africa in January is Omar El Kaddouri. His departure will not be a problem however as he is considered as surplus to requirements at the San Paolo.


By Giovanni Scotto. Adapted & translated by Steve Mitchell