Piotr Zielinski’s contract extension with Napoli means the Partenopei will likely drop Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, who is wanted by Barcelona, Aston Villa and Betis.
Lo Celso’s agent has recently confirmed talks with the Partenopei, but Football Italia understands the Serie A champions will likely pull out of the race to sign the Argentinean once Zielinski extends his contract expiring in June 2024.
Napoli were ready to sell Zielinski if he hadn’t extended his contract and Lo Celso was seen as a potential replacement for the Poland international. However, Zielinski is now ready to put pen to paper on a new agreement with Napoli after rejecting an offer from Lazio.
Rudi Garcia still needs a new central midfielder, but the French coach wants a ‘physical’ player to replace Tanguy Ndombele and Lo Celso has different characteristics.
Wednesday’s printed edition of Il Corriere dello Sport (page 21) claims Barcelona and Aston Villa are interested in Lo Celso, while Betis director Ramon Planes has recently confirmed his interest in the Tottenham midfielder.
“Lo Celso is a high-level player, so we have to be ready,” Planes said at a press conference on Tuesday.
“Betis are working to improve and take a step forward with good players and Lo Celso is among those.”