Napoli’s midfield crisis: January key, Frattesi and Atta linked | OneFootball

Napoli has reached a turning point. The midfield emergency, exacerbated by injuries, fatigue, and an increasingly packed schedule, has made it inevitable to make a move in the winter transfer window.

Napoli, Midfield Emergency: January Becomes Decisive. Not Only Mainoo, Frattesi and Atta Emerge

The idea of postponing any evaluation until the summer has been set aside: January becomes a key stage to provide Antonio Conte with a deeper and more functional squad for his playing system.

The most pursued path remains the one leading to Kobbie Mainoo, a Manchester United midfielder. The English talent has progressively fallen out of Ruben Amorim's technical project, effectively removing him from rotations. The numbers are clear: just 13 minutes in total over the last three games, a usage that has also impacted his international status.

Mainoo has indeed lost ground in the English National Team hierarchy, with coach Tuchel currently preferring Anderson from Nottingham Forest, while the spots of Rice and Bellingham remain secure. This situation is pushing the player to seriously consider a change of scenery, also with the World Cup in mind.

According to *Il Mattino*, “the final approval for the operation must come by next week, otherwise the timeline risks becoming excessively prolonged.” Napoli knows they are not alone: several clubs, especially in England and Turkey, are interested in Mainoo. However, these destinations have not fully convinced the player, which plays in favor of the Azzurri.

Alongside the English path, the name of Davide Frattesi is also gaining traction. The Italian midfielder seemed destined to find more continuity with Cristian Chivu, but expectations have not translated into consistent playing time. A situation that keeps several clubs interested.

Frattesi is a profile that greatly appeals to Antonio Conte, who considers him perfect in the role of an attacking midfielder, crucial when the midfield is set up as a three. A player capable of providing runs, intensity, and goals, characteristics previously seen with players like Anguissa and McTominay.

The negotiation remains complex from an economic and political standpoint, but it is not considered impossible. Napoli is monitoring closely, ready to step in if concrete opportunities arise.

The third name on the table is Atta from Udinese. A clear stance has come from Friuli: the player is not considered transferable in January. A tough line that could, however, be softened only in the face of a particularly significant offer or appreciated technical exchanges.

Even in this case, competition is not lacking, but it is realistic to think that if the operation is not feasible immediately, Napoli might return decisively for Atta in the next summer session, incorporating him into a medium-long term strategy.

### A Choice No Longer Postponable

The common denominator is one: Napoli must intervene. Conte needs reliable alternatives to sustain the pace imposed by his football and face a second part of the season that promises to be decisive. Mainoo remains the priority, Frattesi the most functional option for the system, Atta the profile on which to build the future.

January is approaching, and the maneuvers are already underway. The Azzurri's midfield is at the center of strategies, as much of Napoli's ambitions hinge on it.

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