Napoli's transfer window may not be completely closed yet: among the options being considered by the club's management is Raheem Sterling, the English striker recently released by Chelsea. The Italian champions are closely monitoring the former Manchester City player, who could represent a quality addition to the team's attack.
According to the tabloid The SunInitial contact has reportedly already been made between Napoli and Sterling, who is keen to find a new home after leaving the London club. The 1994-born Englishman, fresh from years of strong performances in the Premier League, is reportedly willing to revise his financial demands in order to wear the Azzurri shirt. Help in this regard could also come from his personal relationship with Kevin De Bruyne: teammates for seven seasons at Manchester City and close friends, the Belgian—currently sidelined with an injury—could act as an "informal sponsor" of the deal, convincing Sterling to accept the Napoli offer.
The main issue, however, remains his contract. Sterling has often been linked with Napoli in the past, but president Aurelio De Laurentiis finds the player's financial demands difficult to meet. At Chelsea, the striker earned around €19 million a year, a salary that's out of reach for the Campania club and, in general, for most Italian clubs. Fabrizio Romano said Sterling has made several offers to Napoli, but that his terms have previously failed to convince the management.
If Sterling were to confirm his willingness to take a salary cut, Napoli might reconsider their position and seriously consider a signing capable of strengthening their attack. A signing of this caliber could have a significant impact on their pursuit of a top-four finish in the league, and perhaps even fuel higher ambitions for the current season.
Source EDITORIAL TEAM
Comments (1)
The article about Raheem Sterling and Napoli is very interesting, but I'm not sure if the deal will be possible. The salary is high and there are financial issues. Let's hope it can be done.