Napoli Move Ahead of Milan in Race for Top Striker

1 week ago 12

The representatives of Jonathan David were in Milan last week and, while the two local teams denied meeting with them, Napoli did.

Serie A champions Napoli have reportedly overtaken fierce rivals Milan in the race to sign in-demand Lille forward Jonathan David. Per Calciomercato, Partenopei held showdown talks with the player’s camp just the other day to convince the Canada international to choose the Maradona Stadium as his next destination.

Napoli reportedly pieced together a tangible offer, presenting David with a five-year contract worth €3m net per season. The Italians’ terms seem to have pleased the 23-year-old’s appetites as he accepted the bid. It’s now up to Aurelio De Laurentiis to find common ground with Lille.

However, that’s been a sticking point thus far. Lille’s asking price is non-negotiable. Aware of David’s potential and significant interest in his services, they’ve set the price tag at €45m. On the other hand, Napoli are willing to go up to €35m to get a deal over the line.

That €10m discrepancy could open the door to other suitors, including Milan. David has been on Rossoneri’s radar for over a year. With Olivier Giroud on his way out, the arrival of a new center-forward is inevitable. And the Canadian is among the leading candidates to fill the vacancy.

Napoli have gained the upper hand, but it could quickly change. Lille manager Paulo Fonseca is one of the potential candidates to replace Stefano Pioli at Milan. If the Portuguese tactician lands at San Siro, the balance scale will shift in Rossoneri’s favor.

Therefore, Napoli should move swiftly to strike a deal with Lille.