Napoli Ramp Up Pellegrini Chase, Mull Danilo Fallbacks | OneFootball

Antonio Conte has greenlighted going after Lorenzo Pellegrini, while Napoli are pondering a pair of other alternatives if Juventus don’t free up Danilo. They are ready to sign the Roma captain regardless of potential swaps. The Giallorossi like Giacomo Raspadori, Radio Radio reports (via OneFootball).

The Partenopei are in talks with the agent of the midfielder. He might have to take a pay cut. He’s under contract until 2026 and makes €4.5M. Galatasaray are still chasing him, while Inter and Arsenal could go after him next summer. Instead, he’s not enthused about Saudi Arabia.

After agreeing to personal terms, Napoli will start haggling with Roma about the fee and formula with Pellegrini, while they don’t want to do it for Danilo. They are waiting for his agent and Juventus to concur to a rescission, Corriere dello Sport informs (via MSN).

The Partenopei prefer keeping their powders dry to bolster their midfield rather than spending for a player who has been openly ousted and can join for free in a few months. Thiago Motta confirmed the development in a pre-game presser.

If the Azzurri can’t onboard the Brazilian talisman relatively quickly, they’ll mull Luiz Felipe or Daniele Rugani.

They need to be careful with this supposed all-in on aging players. They’ll be sunk costs in a couple of years and aren’t cheap salary-wise. The negotiation about the former’s price tag would be fascinating. He’s a distressed asset right now, but Roma can’t just give him away.