Napoli turn to African talent in bid to refresh midfield

Napoli are preparing for a significant overhaul of an ageing squad, with midfield identified as the club’s main priority ahead of the January transfer window.

The club’s hierarchy has less than two months to finalise its recruitment plans and, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, wants to return to the principles on which Napoli was founded by targeting players who fit its long-term profile.

Mamadou Coulibaly is one of the leading candidates. The Franco-Malian midfielder, who plays for Monaco, is regarded as having the qualities required to begin a generational change in Napoli’s midfield.

However, securing Coulibaly would require a substantial investment of about 30 million euros. Monaco are in a strong negotiating position, while Napoli are also monitoring his team-mate Lamine Camara as they assess their options.

Napoli also tracking Bakola, Zorgane and Agoume

Darryl Bakola is another player on Napoli’s list. The midfielder’s current valuation has risen to 30 million euros since his move to Sassuolo, and Napoli are following the situation closely.

They would face competition from Juventus if they decide to pursue Bakola, adding another potential obstacle to the Italian club’s plans for January.

Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna is also keeping watch on the Belgian market. Among the more experienced midfielders under consideration are Adem Zorgane of Union Saint-Gilloise and Lucien Agoume, who plays for Sevilla FC and has previously featured in Italy.

The range of targets reflects Napoli’s intention to strengthen an area of the team that has become central to the planned renewal of the squad. Coulibaly, Camara, Bakola, Zorgane and Agoume are all being assessed as the club weighs both younger options and players with greater experience.

Napoli will soon play their 12th match of the Italian championship against Torino. The listed betting odds for the fixture are 1.45 for a Napoli victory, 4.20 for a draw and 6.50 for a Torino win.