Napoli have identified three key transfer targets for the summer window as they plan a significant squad refresh, according to reports from Italy. The Serie A club are prioritising a right-back, a physical midfielder, and a backup striker to replace the departing Juan Jesus, Frank Anguissa, and Romelu Lukaku. The moves are part of a strategy by sporting director Giovanni Manna to simultaneously lower the wage bill and inject younger talent into the squad.
For the right-back role, the primary target remains Sevilla's Juanlu Sanchez. The 22-year-old Spanish defender was close to joining Napoli last summer and again in January, but a deal with his club could not be finalised. Sanchez is reportedly still convinced that a move to Naples is the right next step for his career. He is seen as an ideal fit due to his ability to play as an orthodox full-back or as a wing-back, offering the versatility and quality required to bolster Napoli's flanks.
In midfield, Napoli are seeking a player with dynamism, physicality, and experience to replace Anguissa. Their leading candidate is reportedly Benfica's Colombian international, Richard Rios. The 24-year-old, who scored against Napoli in the Champions League this season, is five years younger than Anguissa and is viewed as an international-calibre signing who can compete in both Serie A and Europe. Convincing Benfica, who paid 27 million euros for him last summer, will be a key challenge. Alternative options include Wolverhampton's Joao Gomes and Udinese's promising Lazar Samardzic.
The search for a striker is driven by the imminent departure of Romelu Lukaku, whose high salary will be removed from the books. Napoli are evaluating Sassuolo's Andrea Pinamonti and Udinese's Keinan Davis as potential replacements to serve as understudy to Rasmus Hojlund. Pinamonti, an Italian international, would also be beneficial for squad registration rules in European competition. The final decisions may hinge on the futures of other attacking assets like Giovanni Simeone and the returning Lorenzo Lucca.
This planned overhaul comes amid a season of transition for Napoli, who are aiming to secure Champions League qualification and build a squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts next season. The targeted signings of Juanlu Sanchez, Richard Rios, and a new forward represent a clear shift towards a younger, more sustainable squad structure while aiming to maintain the club's competitive level at the top of Italian football.
