Napoli scouting Girona defender as Real Madrid stance revealed | OneFootball

Napoli have reportedly been monitoring the performances of Girona defender Miguel Gutierrez, for whom Real Madrid have a buy-back clause after his departure from the Bernabeu in 2022.

Napoli scouting former Real Madrid defender Gutierrez

According to reports from Spanish outlet Relevo, via Football Espana, Napoli had scouts in attendance to watch Gutierrez during Girona’s recent 2-0 victory over Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League.

Girona’s Miguel Gutierrez (R) celebrates after scoring the 1-0 goal during the Champions League soccer match between Girona FC and Slovan Bratislava, in Girona, Catalonia, Spain 22 October 2024. EPA-EFE/SIU WU

The Partenopei join a long list of clubs potentially interested in the 23-year-old left-back, as both Arsenal and Bayern Munich have been linked with moves for the recent Olympic gold medal winner.

According to Saturday’s updates, Real Madrid have a €9m buy-back clause valid in Gutierrez’s contract. However, as per Football Espana, Los Blancos are ‘unlikely’ to activate that option, as they will take home 50% of the fee if Gutierrez is sold to a different club.

Gutierrez has established himself as a guaranteed starter when fit and available for Girona, with a tally of 35 appearances from a possible 38 in LaLiga this term, plus a further nine from a possible 10 in the 2024-25 season.

The 23-year-old also grabbed his first goal of the 2024-25 campaign during the 2-0 win over Slovan Bratislava on Tuesday night.