Inter Milan could try to sign Napoli midfielder Eljif Elmas in a surprise swap deal, even as early as the January transfer window.
This according to North Macedonian news outlet Sport1, via FCInter1908. The outlet claim that with the 23-year-old out of favour under Partenopei coach Rudi Garcia, Inter could even sign him by sending Stefano Sensi the other way.
Since joining Napoli from Fenerbahce in the summer of 2019, Elmas has not always been a regular starter.
The North Macedonian midfielder has not necessarily lacked for playing time. He has made over a hundred appearances for Napoli.
Elmas in fact only failed to play in two Serie A matches last season. He scored six goals as the Partenopei went on to win the Serie A title.
And Elmas had also made 37 appearances the prior campaign under Luciano Spalletti.
But these appearances often came off the bench rather than to start matches.
And this theme has been further emphasized under Spalletti’s replacement as coach, Garcia.
Inter Milan Could Make Surprise Move For Eljif Elmas
So far this season, Elmas has made just one appearance for Napoli.
Whilst Spalletti had found a use for the North Macedonian, former Roma and Lyon coach Garcia hasn’t as much.
Therefore, Sport1 report, Napoli could be ready to sell the midfielder.
Elmas had been the subject of some summer transfer interest. RB Leipzig reportedly made a €30 million offer for the 23-year-old, whilst clubs in the Premier League had also come forward.
However, Napoli turned these bids down.
But with Elmas seemingly not part of the project early on under Garcia, things could change.
The player has been vocal about wanting more playing time in the past. The Partneopei could start listening to offers for him.
And according to Sport1, Inter are among the foremost clubs with an interest.
The North Macedonian outlet report that Napoli could be willing to listen to offers of €25 million for Elmas. Or, alternatively, Inter could send Sensi the other way as part of a player-plus-cash swap.
