Napoli target Mainoo: Conte move likely, January loan possible | OneFootball

The defeat against Udinese is not just a setback on the sporting front, but marks a true turning point in Napoli's strategies, both technical and market-related.

Napoli, it's Mainoo's time: final commitments with United then opening to Conte. Possible loan in January

Within the Azzurri camp, the conviction has grown that decisive action will be needed in January, especially in midfield. This is where Kobbie Mainoo comes into play, identified as the ideal reinforcement for Antonio Conte's team.

Mainoo-Napoli: clear intention, Amorim's go-ahead remains

The Manchester United midfielder is increasingly inclined towards a move to Campania in the winter session. According to Il Mattino, the 2005-born player has already expressed his approval of the operation, effectively giving the green light to Napoli for January.

Before fully focusing on the future, however, Mainoo will still be available to Rúben Amorim for the Premier League match against Bournemouth. Right after this match, the decisive step could occur: the Portuguese coach will need to make a decision, considering the numerous emergencies in the squad and the management of rotations.

Formula and timing: Manchester opens to loan

Optimism is filtering from the English front. Manchester United has already opened up to the loan formula, a solution considered ideal to allow Mainoo to find continuity and grow in a competitive context like Serie A, and then potentially return to Old Trafford at the end of the season.

Napoli's goal is to finalize the operation immediately after the opening of the winter market, set for January 2. For this reason, sporting director Giovanni Manna is expected to meet with United's executives in the coming hours, although a concrete acceleration is anticipated only after tonight's match.

Conte awaits him: perfect profile for the midfield

Mainoo is considered an ideal profile for Conte's football: dynamic, tactically intelligent, capable of playing both in front of the defense and as a mezzala. A functional reinforcement not only to raise the technical level but also to provide new solutions to a midfield that has appeared in difficulty in recent outings.

Napoli, at this stage, wants to act in advance and secure an addition that can make an immediate impact in the second part of the season.

Lucca chapter: cooled track, uncertain future

The situation is very different for Lorenzo Lucca. The forward, coming off a lackluster performance against his former team, seems increasingly distant from the technical project. Despite the agent's openness to a transfer, no concrete offers have arrived at the moment, forcing Napoli into a waiting phase.

With an already defined agreement with Udinese, the redemption should be triggered in June, but the club's goal remains to find a new destination that can allow the player to revive his career.

January approaching: Napoli ready to change pace

The message from Castel Volturno is clear: January will be a key month. After the stop with Udinese, Napoli no longer wants to delay. Mainoo represents the first move of a market that could reshape the team according to Conte's needs.

Now the ball is in Manchester's court. And in Amorim's go-ahead.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.