Napoli have reached an agreement to sign Pasquale Mazzocchi and are close to Lazar Samardzic, while Pierre-Emile Højbjerg or Boubakary Soumaré could become their third January signing.
After a dismal start to the season that saw them drop out of a European spot, 17 points behind Serie A leaders Inter, the Partenopei has to turn things around.
The adaptable Salernitana defender Mazzocchi, who is anticipated to sign a contract with Napoli and begin training with the Partenopei today, has agreed to join the reigning champions.
It is confirmed on page 12 of La Gazzetta dello Sport’s printed edition from Wednesday that the Partenopei are also close to Samardzic. The two sides are currently negotiating bonuses and a player to maybe include in the deal, but they have already verbally agreed to a deal for about €20 million. Alessio Zerbin is an option for Udinese, according to Gazzetta.
At the Stadio Maradona, additional new players will be added. According to Gazzetta, a match between Leicester City loanee Soumaré and Tottenham midfielder Højbjerg—who is presently at Sevilla—may be the next to join the Azzurri, who are in need of a backup for André Zambo Anguissa. The Partenopei and Højbjerg’s group have already begun preliminary negotiations.
The fourth and last player Napoli will sign is a center-back, with Radu Dragusin of Genoa at the top of their wish list. However, Aurelio De Laurentiis is unwilling to pay the €30 million that the Grifone is seeking.
