A Derby d’Italia is emerging in the transfer market as the Serie A frontrunners Inter and Juventus both continue to push for the signature of Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski.
The Poland international is one of the most sought-after properties on the Serie A market, as he is currently set to become available as a free agent at the conclusion of the 2023-24 campaign.
A key component of the Partenopei’s title-winning season in 2022-23, Zielinski has since been linked with moves away from Naples, and reportedly turned down an eye-watering offer from Saudi Arabia in the summer to stay in Serie A for another year.
Though Napoli would ideally like to keep Zielinski on board for as long as possible, there has not been much evidence to suggest that a renewal is anywhere near close.
In anticipation of his availability in the summer, teams are beginning to circle over the Stadio Maradona. Inter and Juve currently lead the race for the 30-year-old’s signature according to Il Corriere dello Sport.
For Zielinski, there is a familiarity about Juventus, as the Bianconeri sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli already knows him well from their time together at Napoli.
Giuntoli’s Nerazzurri counterpart Piero Ausilio and CEO Beppe Marotta are also ready to push to bring Zielinski on board.
Il Corriere suggests that either club would likely need to offer Zielinski a contract on higher wages than he earns at the moment. That figure currently stands at a reported €5m per season.
Over a four-year deal, that would amount to a minimum cost of €20m, realistically closer to €25m, plus any signing-on bonuses, which, again, could add several million onto the cost of the total package.