Aston Villa & Sunderland among clubs keen on Elmas as Napoli exit nears | OneFootball

Eljif Elmas is set to leave Napoli for the second time after the club confirmed they will not exercise their €17 million purchase option, despite the Macedonian midfielder enjoying a positive season that earned glowing praise from Antonio Conte.

The 26-year-old returned to Napoli on loan from RB Leipzig last summer and made 43 appearances across all competitions, contributing a goal against Torino in March that prompted Conte to wax lyrical.

“Let’s not forget Saint Elmas, they should build a statue of him,” the coach said at the time. “He understands football, gets into the game, is versatile and can play both as a central midfielder and as a trequartista. He is a surprising lad.”

TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 25: Eljif Elmas of SSC Napoli passes the ball whilst under pressure from Weston McKennie of Juventus during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and SSC Napoli at Juventus Stadium on January 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Aston Villa ready to open talks for Elmas as Sunderland interest fails to convince

Despite the praise, Napoli’s decision not to activate the clause means Elmas will return to Leipzig before moving on to his next destination.

According to TMW, Sunderland have registered interest, though the Championship club are not considered an attractive proposition for the former Fenerbahce man at this stage of his career.

Aston Villa represent a far more compelling option. Already confirmed for next season’s Champions League, the Villans have made an initial enquiry and are prepared to open formal discussions once the season concludes. That prospect is understood to appeal considerably more to Elmas.

In total across his two spells at Napoli, the midfielder made 232 appearances for the club, a significant contribution that ultimately could not persuade De Laurentiis to meet Leipzig’s asking price.