Napoli eye shock move for Jamie Vardy on a free, reports from England | OneFootball

Napoli continues its race against time to find a replacement for Romelu Lukaku, sidelined by a serious injury that will keep him off the field until 2026.

Napoli, sensational rumor from England: Jamie Vardy targeted on a free transfer

Among the many names considered by the Azzurri management, a surprising possibility has emerged, launched by the English tabloid The Daily Mail: Jamie Vardy, the iconic Leicester City striker, now a free agent, has caught the attention of the Italian champions.

A beloved figure in English football and a Leicester legend, could his future be in Serie A? It's unlikely, but from across the Channel, they warn: Napoli has set its sights on Vardy to replace the injured Lukaku.

The Vardy idea: experience and goals at no cost

According to reports from the British press, Napoli has included Vardy in the list of options to strengthen their offensive lineup. At 38, the former England international is taking time to evaluate the offers he has received, with several clubs interested in his services, including Celtic, Rangers, and Everton.

A potential arrival on a free transfer would make the operation particularly appealing economically: zero transfer fees, with the only question mark being the salary and contract duration.

A timeless champion

Jamie Vardy bid farewell to Leicester at the end of last season, after writing memorable pages in the club's history: over 200 goals in more than 500 appearances, a Premier League title won in 2016 against all odds, and an FA Cup lifted in 2021.

Despite his advanced age, Vardy continues to offer experience, a winning mentality, and a remarkable scoring instinct. These elements could prove valuable for Napoli, who need to maintain their standing in Serie A and present a competitive front in the Champions League.

Other options on the table

The Englishman is not the only name linked to the Azzurri at the moment. Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea remains a concrete target, although the high costs make the operation complicated. Meanwhile, the club is monitoring other profiles like Hojlund, Vlahovic, Zirkzee, and Mitrovic, in a race against time to provide Conte with the ideal reinforcement.

Napoli at a crossroads: a bet on experience or an investment for the future?

The Vardy suggestion opens a debate: should they focus on a highly experienced striker, ready to make an immediate impact, or invest in a younger, more promising profile? The answer will come soon, as the market tightens and the Serie A debut looms.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.