Owen Sanders
The sting of the Supercoppa Italiana defeat still lingers for Napoli, but Aurelio De Laurentiis has turned his attention towards bolstering the squad for the second half of the season. With two more transfers on the agenda before the window slams shut, Napoli are speeding up their pursuit of Udinese defender Nehuen Perez.
Already having brought in Cyril Ngonge, Pasquale Mazzocchi, and Hamed Junior Traore, Napoli’s January shopping spree isn’t over. Orel Mangala remains their primary target in midfield, but the defensive wall is also getting a much-needed upgrade. Perez, the 23-year-old Argentinian center-back, tops Mazzarri’s wishlist.
Contact between Napoli and Udinese regarding Perez began over a month ago, but negotiations have gained momentum since the loss to Inter. Napoli’s initial €15m offer hasn’t convinced the Friulians yet, who have slapped a €20m price tag on their prized asset. Both sides are locked in negotiations, hoping to reach a deal before the transfer deadline looms.
While Rennes defender Arthur Theate serves as a backup option, Perez is Napoli’s priority. His composure and aerial prowess align perfectly with Mazzarri’s defensive philosophy, offering much-needed stability to the backline. With the Supercoppa defeat fresh in their minds, Napoli are determined to build a defensive wall that can withstand any challenge in the second half of the season.
Whether Napoli can bridge the €5m gap with Udinese or find a last-minute compromise remains to be seen. With the clock ticking down on the transfer window, the Perez saga promises to be Napoli’s next nail-biting chapter before the title race truly heats up.
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