Pablo Armero, Juan Cuadrado and Mehdi Benatia could all join Napoli, confirms Udinese’s technical director, but he reassures fans of the Zebrette’s ambition.
Pablo Armero, Juan Cuadrado and Mehdi Benatia could all join Napoli, confirms Udinese’s technical director, but he reassures fans of the Zebrette’s ambition.
Armero and Benatia have impressed in the past two seasons with the Udine outfit, helping them achieve qualification to the Champions League under Francesco Guidolin’s leadership.
Cuadrado, meanwhile, has attracted attention whilst out on loan last term with Lecce, and according to the Zebrette’s technical director Andrea Carnevale, all three are on Napoli’s shopping list.
“Armero, Cuadrado or Benatia to Napoli? It’s not my job to answer these questions, but we are talking about three extraordinary players, I can guarantee that.
“They have played extraordinary campaigns last season and they have created a lot of attention for themselves.
“Among the clubs tracking them is Napoli, that’s for sure.”
Carnevale moved to reassure Udinese fans of the club’s ambitions. Earlier this summer, Mauricio Isla and Kwadwo Asamoah departed to Juventus.
“To compete in the Champions League and wanting to pass the preliminary qualifying stage to do so, I must add that for us and the players it is important.
“But, for technical characteristics and quality, all three players are ideal for the game and formation of Walter Mazzarri.
“They have great energy and great technique, they would actually do well in any team in Serie A. It provides great satisfaction that a major club in the League is eyeing our jewels.”
Attention turned to Udinese’s search for further treasures through their scouting network, and their plans to keep hold of at Samir Handanovic and Luis Muriel.
“We have a grand organisation based all over the world, we are everything and at any tournament in the world, Udinese scouts are present to observe and find talent.
“We are a bit like Big Brother in that respect.
“Muriel and Handanovic? Neither will leave. Muriel returns to us from Lecce and we will hold him tight, and the goalkeeper remains here because we are talking about an extreme defensive force in Europe and in wanting to overcome the Champions League preliminaries, we will not deprive ourselves of him.”