The last few days of the transfer market are red-hot for Napoli, with two signings on the way that could change the face of Antonio Conte's team. Romelu Lukaku is expected in the city shortly for medical visits and to sign, while Scott McTominay is ready to say goodbye to Manchester United and wear the blue shirt.
President Aurelio De Laurentiis is determined to build a competitive squad, having already spent €77 million on reinforcements, to which will be added €30 million for Lukaku, arriving from Chelsea, and €25 million for McTominay from United. Lukaku will be the first to arrive in Naples, likely between tomorrow and Wednesday, to complete his medical and sign his contract, with the aim of being immediately available to Conte.
The Italian coach pushed for the Cameroonian striker, who he considers a key piece in his tactical plan. At the same time, sporting director Manna closed the deal for McTominay, a 27-year-old Scottish midfielder who came through the Manchester United youth system.
With 256 appearances and 29 goals in the Premier League and cup competitions, McTominay is the ideal player to partner or replace Lobotka, thanks to his ability to break down opposition play and restart the attack. Despite the arrivals, Napoli are not stopping and continue to monitor Brighton's Billy Gilmour, now that the English club has signed Matt O'Riley from Chelsea as a replacement.
However, attention is also on a possible sale of Victor Osimhen. Paris Saint-Germain seems to have reopened contacts with Napoli, and a possible offer of 100 million for the Nigerian could convince De Laurentiis to let him go, covering a large part of the investments made during this transfer window.
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Meanwhile, on the pitch, Conte's team gave encouraging signs, especially with the clear 3-0 win over Bologna. Di Lorenzo's goals, kvaratskhelia and Simeone have highlighted Napoli's ability to be lethal in attack, while still conceding possession to their opponents.
Bologna had 61% possession but only managed two shots on goal. The Azzurri defense, led by the new Rahmani-Buongiorno partnership, proved solid, with Buongiorno particularly pleased with his debut at the "Maradona".
"The secret this week was working hard.", said Buongiorno. "After Verona, we told ourselves we had to react and put that performance behind us.
Against Bologna, we showed more character and determination, which allowed us to win. We still need to improve our ball possession management and work on our personality, but we'll get there with time."
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