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Napoli, the blue club begins to define the path to return to competitiveness. Meret towards renewal, Osimhen in the sights of Al Hilal, but eyes also on Zhegrova and Lang.

Napoli has officially started the engines of its summer strengthening campaign. The season of redemption — after a disappointing year marked by technical instability — begins in Ischia, where a decisive summit was held on Saturday between president Aurelio De Laurentiis and the new sporting director Giovanni Manna. This meeting represented the first real operational turning point of the new Neapolitan era, with the declared goal of bringing the club back among the protagonists of Italian and European football.

At the center of the summit, as reported by the Corriere del Mezzogiorno, was the definition of summer strategies: renewals, possible high-profile sales, and, of course, new additions to strengthen a squad that needs to rediscover identity and competitiveness.

Napoli, first securing the goal…

The first good news concerns the goal. Alex Meret, coming off a season of ups and downs but still considered central to the technical project, is close to a contract extension until 2027. The agreements, including bonuses and financial details, have already been finalized and the official announcement is expected shortly.

ALEX MERET POINTS THE FINGER (PHOTO BY SALVATORE FORNELLI)

However, Napoli is not satisfied and is considering the arrival of a second top goalkeeper. At the top of the list is Vanja Milinkovic-Savic from Torino, a profile considered reliable and ready to compete for the starting role.

Also in focus is the future of Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian striker courted by half of Europe (and beyond). Currently, in the lead is Al Hilal as the Saudi club is reportedly ready to pay the full €75 million release clause. However, Galatasaray remains in the background, where Osimhen has already shown his worth with 37 goals in 41 appearances during a previous stint. The negotiation is still fluid, but Napoli cannot afford mistakes in managing one of its main assets.

Frank Anguissa has also attracted interest from the Saudi Pro League. Al-Qadisiyya has shown strong interest in the Cameroonian midfielder, but for now, there is no economic agreement with Napoli. The situation is different for Stanislav Lobotka as the Slovak has a €25 million release clause, but has publicly stated that he is happy at the Neapolitan club, indicating his desire to continue the adventure in blue.

Napoli is also keeping a close eye on the attacking midfielders. Edon Zhegrova from Lille and Noa Lang from PSV are two names that were already monitored in the last winter transfer window and are now back in focus. Two talented offensive wingers with room for growth, perfect for the style of play that the management wants to implement in the new cycle.

The name of Davide Frattesi remains current as well, and if the midfielder were to part ways with Inter, Napoli is ready to step in. Another profile under observation is Kang-In Lee from PSG, a versatile player with great vision on the field, who could offer new technical solutions to the future Neapolitan midfield.

PONDERING DAVIDE FRATTESI (PHOTO BY SALVATORE FORNELLI)