Napoli's Summer Transfer Dream: Nicolas Jackson or Zirkzee?

Despite initial moves for Costantino Favasuli and preliminary talks for Benoit Badiashile, Napoli is actively pursuing player sales to free up funds and roster spots for a significant attacking acquisition. While Gabriel Jesus remains a possibility, the club is also reportedly interested in Joshua Zirkzee and, notably, Nicolas Jackson.

Antonio Gaito, director of Tuttonapoli, shared his insights on Radio Tutto Napoli, emphasizing the club's need to sell before buying. "Last year, most players were overpaid to appease Conte and get them quickly," Gaito explained. "Napoli can partially recoup investments from players like Lang or Lucca. The Dutchman still has a good reputation abroad, and we'll see if Ajax, Galatasaray, or even Atalanta make a move."

Napoli is determined to strengthen its attack to elevate the team's level and ensure impactful substitutes. "Gabriel Jesus would raise the team's quality, as suggested by Sky's reports," Gaito continued. "Zirkzee has shown great quality and ability to link play in Italy, but Nicolas Jackson represents an even higher level, though he won't be an easy signing."

What a Signing Nicolas Jackson Would Be

"He would be the signing of the summer, the best reinforcement in Serie A, even with Inter bringing in three Premier League players – Stones, Spence, and Jones – who have already performed well and will make a difference in Italy," Gaito stated. "Nicolas Jackson is difficult to acquire. Last year, he moved to Bayern on a loan with an option to buy for €15 million and a €65 million buyout clause. He performed well, albeit not as a regular starter due to competition, but wasn't bought outright. His price tag is higher than Jesus or Zirkzee, but his wages are lower, and the formula might favor Napoli, who prefer not to pay the full amount upfront in this market but rather a loan fee, considering squad cost regulations."

"We need to wait for the final days of the transfer window. If no one buys him permanently, we might have a chance," Gaito added. "After a year, with a loan fee of perhaps €8-10 million, Napoli might be willing to pay a significant amount for a year's rental. However, he would be a top acquisition, and in an attacking team, he could become one of the top 3-4 players in Serie A. We've seen players who struggled in the Premier League excel here, like Anguissa. He was relegated and seemed anonymous, but he came here and dominated. McTominay showed promise, but not to this extent. Malen did very little and almost became top scorer playing half the season. Imagine someone who has already performed well in the Premier League. Plus, Chelsea has surplus players in every position, and we know their poor operational management."

And Lucca?

"Once these names emerge and negotiations begin, it's likely a way to indirectly encourage him to look elsewhere," Gaito commented on Lorenzo Lucca. "He is currently Hojlund's understudy, and while he might be content, Napoli is objectively considering other options. After the year he's had, having him as Hojlund's backup for all competitions presents too much uncertainty if the team aims for the highest level. It will also be a late-market move because there's no guarantee of securing one of these top names, and the risk, let's be honest, is that he might stay."

Badiashile: A Loan with Potential

"Badiashile was also a surplus defender. Are there concerns about his injury record?" the interviewer asked.

"Certainly, otherwise, you wouldn't have acquired him on loan for €3 million with an option to buy," Gaito replied. "He has untapped potential, largely due to injuries. However, I believe it's a smart operation. Instead of the initially rumored €3 million plus a €20 million obligation, Napoli prefers to raise it to €3 million plus a €27 million option, with the right to buy, not an obligation. This allows them to assess his physical condition and not immediately add the full amount to their balance sheet, only the €3 million. Even if he impresses, the buyout clause can always be negotiated. He was a highly promising player who didn't perform too poorly in the Premier League, but injuries hampered him. He has appearances in the Club World Cup and played in the Conference League. He played less not only due to injuries but also due to Chelsea's incredible depth in every department. I prefer him to Gatti, for example, whose level we know, and he was an alternative in a team that finished behind Napoli. Badiashile at least has the chance to relaunch himself and reach a higher level. The only issue is the timing; couldn't this have been done, if not a month ago, then 10 days ago?"