Napoli director of sport Cristiano Giuntoli confirms they are ‘optimistic’ over Morocco international Azzedine Ounahi despite Leeds United and Aston Villa interest, and the Salvatore Sirigu-Pierluigi Gollini swap is in the works.
The Partenopei are in action this evening for the Coppa Italia Round of 16 against Cremonese, kicking off at 20.00 GMT.
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“We expect to continue doing well and take it one game at a time. We mustn’t look at the standings right now, we’re very happy with Friday’s game and want to keep building that momentum,” Giuntoli told Sport Mediaset.
He was asked about the transfer reports that are circulating around Napoli, especially as Bartosz Bereszynski starts tonight after his move from Sampdoria.
There are for example claims that Leeds United and Aston Villa are ready to out-bid Napoli’s €25m offer for SCO Angers and Morocco international midfielder Ounahi.
“We are optimistic, the player is talented, but right now we are concentrated on the team and what happens on a daily basis.”
Giuntoli was a little more loose-lipped when it came to the imminent exchange of six-month loans between goalkeeper Sirigu and Fiorentina shot-stopper Gollini.
“We are talking about it. We’ll see.”
Another Moroccan World Cup man who could join Napoli is Walid Cheddira, who currently plays for Napoli’s sister club Bari.
“We’ll see.”