TMW: Napoli join race for Milan winger as Conte was left ‘very convinced’ | OneFootball

Alexis Saelemaekers appears to be a hot name on the mercato following what was an impressive season with Thiago Motta and Bologna. According to a report, after the Premier League interest, Napoli have now also joined the race.

Milan agreed to send Saelemaekers out on loan with an option to buy last summer and the winger impressed with Bologna. However, as Motta left the club for Juventus, the Rossoblu opted not to redeem the player and this could turn out to be a blessing in disguise for Milan.

Indeed, following the Premier League interest which prompted the Rossoneri to increase the price to €20m, Napoli have now also joined the race. According to TMW, Antonio Conte was left ‘very convinced’ by the 25-year-old’s 2023-24 campaign and above all by his tactical versatility.

It remains to be seen if an official bid will be submitted but Conte, as we know, usually gets what he wants in the end. Given that Saelemaekers didn’t cost a whole lot when he arrived from Anderlecht in 2020, Milan are set to register a significant capital gain.

Yesterday, the winger really impressed as Milan faced Rapid Wien in their first friendly of the pre-season. This has certainly helped boost his value even if the opposition wasn’t the best.