Napoli are preparing a summer move for Udinese midfielder Arthur Atta, with the club's imminent qualification for the Champions League accelerating their transfer plans. According to reports from Italy, the Serie A side have identified the 23-year-old Ghanaian as a primary target to reinforce their midfield, particularly with the expected departure of stalwart Frank Anguissa. Udinese are understood to have set an asking price of €40 million for their rising star, a figure that presents a significant hurdle for the Neapolitans.
Club president Aurelio De Laurentiis and sporting director Giovanni Manna are exploring the possibility of structuring a deal that could involve the existing obligation to buy striker Lorenzo Lucca from Udinese. Napoli are obligated to pay €26 million for Lucca this summer, but the forward's disappointing loan spell has led the club to consider selling him immediately. Napoli may attempt to negotiate a reduced fee for Atta by offsetting some of the Lucca payment, though Udinese's Pozzo family is known to be firm negotiators.
The pursuit of Arthur Atta is not new; Napoli's interest dates back to last autumn when injuries to key midfielders prompted an urgent search for reinforcements. Atta's profile fits the club's stated need for a dynamic, physically strong midfielder capable of contributing in both phases of play. He has enjoyed a breakout season in Friuli, scoring five goals and providing four assists, performances that have also attracted attention from clubs in England and Spain. This broader interest has solidified Udinese's valuation and increased the urgency for Napoli to act swiftly.
For Napoli, the move represents a strategic shift under coach Antonio Conte towards acquiring younger, high-potential players while reducing the squad's age and wage bill. Atta's versatility, being able to operate as a mezzala, a trequartista, or even a wide attacker in a front three, aligns with Conte's tactical flexibility. His acquisition would signal a serious intent to rebuild a midfield capable of challenging for the Scudetto and performing in Europe, filling the void left by Anguissa's anticipated exit.
The coming weeks are viewed as crucial for Napoli's hopes of securing Atta before a potential bidding war develops in the summer market. With Champions League football all but secured, the club has both the sporting project and the financial incentive to push for a major signing, though meeting Udinese's €40 million demand will require creative negotiation.
