Napoli: Five possible Higuain replacements

Omar Karmani 12:05 15/08/2016
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • The likely candidates.

    Gonzalo Higuain’s €90 million (Dhs370m) summer departure has significantly dented Napoli’s hopes of winning a third ever Scudetto. Under Maurizio Sarri, the Argentine redefined the term goal-machine when netting 36 goals in 35 appearances for the Partenopei before traveling northwards.

    It was a major statement by Juventus, demonstrating intent to further tighten their grip on the division they have won for each of the past five years. Higuain was not alone in moving to the Bianconeri, with Dani Alves, Medhi Benatia, Miralem Pjanic and promising Marko Pjaca also being added to Massimiliano Allegri’s squad.

    Although Napoli have been unable to match Juventus’ spending, they have signed Italy midfielder Emmanuele Giaccherini and  Ajax’s 22-year-old goleador Arek Milik for €30m (Dhs123m).

    Beyond that, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has confirmed “there will be a major signing”. So who will be the man to replace Higuain? Here are five candidates.

    STEFAN JOVETIC (Inter Milan)

    The Montenegrin’s spell at Manchester City was short-lived due to persistent injury problems but since moving to Inter Milan he seems to have found his feet again. Still a little below the standards he set at Fiorentina prior to his switch to Manchester City, Jovetic could still represent an exciting addition.

    MAURO ICARDI (Inter Milan)

    Icardi has been one of Italian football’s hottest properties in recent seasons and it’s no surprise given he has a great knack of being able to manipulate space, whether it be dropping deep or playing on the shoulder of the last defender. The price tag could be a stumbling block – Inter have claimed Icardi won’t leave for less than €55m – while Frank de Boer has stated the 23-year-old is part of is plans.

    However, the Argentine’s controversial wife and agent have openly entertained the thought of a move to Naples after reportedly holding talks in private with the club’s president. With Napoli fan favourite Lorenzo Insigne’s future in doubt, the Partenopei may seek to include Icardi in a hope to reduce Inter’s asking price.

    NIKOLA KALINIC (Fiorentina)

    The former Blackburn flop signed for Fiorentina last season following his exploits with Ukrainian side Dnipro, with whom he reached the Europa League final. To the surprise of many, Kalinic was instrumental in La Viola’s early season form, propelling them to second place in the table.

    Although his exceptional attacking prowess deteriorated in the second half of the season, his Serie A performances didn’t go unnoticed as he received the call to represent Croatia in Euro 2016 – scoring the equaliser in the group stage victory over Spain. Reports suggest Fiorentina would accept €30 million (Dhs123m) and that might be an attractive prospect for Napoli.

    CARLOS BACCA (AC Milan)

    The former Sevilla frontman has impressed since arriving in Italian football with AC Milan, scoring 20 goals across all competitions. With the Rossoneri‘s failing to qualify for the Champions League drought, Bacca might be tempted to head south.  Napoli already submitted an estimated €20m (Dhs82m) bid including Omar El Kaddouri, but it was instantly rejected.

    DIEGO COSTA (Chelsea)

    Antonio Conte is desperately attempting to lure Toffees and Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku to Stamford Bridge, a move that would surely see Diego Costa head out of the Chelsea exit door. The Spaniard was caught complaining about his current predicament with Sergio Ramos during preseason friendly encounter against Real and while Atletico’s signing of Kevin Gameiro has ended speculation about a return to Madrid, Costa has reportedly been offered to both Inter Milan and Napoli.

    Recommended