Napoli are keen to rival Inter Milan to sign Atalanta sensation Giorgio Scalvini as a replacement for Bayern Munich target Kim Min-Jae.
This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
Napoli defender Kim could reportedly head for the exit door at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona just one season after joining.
The 26-year-old Korean international reportedly has a release clause in his contract active next month. Premier League giants Manchester United have been strongly pursuing the ex-Fenerbahce man.
However, in recent days it looks to have been Bayern who’ve assumed pole position in the race for Kim’s signature.
The Bavarians are keen to make a big defensive reinforcement ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Kim, who was just named as the best defender in Serie A as he helped Napoli to a first Scudetto in over three decades, appears to be foremost in the German champions’ list of names as far as centre-back targets go.
With Bayern moving in, the Partenopei are ready to sign a like-for-like replacement.
Napoli Line Up Inter Target Scalvini As Replacement If Kim Joins Bayern
If Kim leaves, Napoli want to move for highly-rated Atalanta starlet Scalvini.
Despite still only being aged nineteen, Scalvini is already a full Italian international. The 19-year-old has been a major breakout star for La Dea over the past two seasons in Serie A.
This has led to Inter emerging as candidates to sign Scalvini.
He is reportedly on the Nerazzurri’s radar as a contingency plan for if Alessandro Bastoni leaves the club.
However, there is no shortage of competition for Scalvini’s signature. Reportedly all of Manchester City, Liverpool, and Bayern want the teenager.
However, Napoli could be ready to swoop this summer. Particularly if they are flush with cash from selling Kim.
Newly-appointed Partenopei boss Rudi Garcia is reportedly a big fan.
Meanwhile, all of Stuttgart’s Hiroki Ito, Lens’s Kevin Danso, Borussia Monchengladbach’s Ko Itakura, and Feyenoord’s David Hancko are also on Napoli’s radar for prospective Kim replacements.
