Report: Serie A giants ‘remain interested’ in signing Man United star | OneFootball

Napoli Expand Midfield Search as United Face January Decision

Napoli Intensify Hunt for Midfield Reinforcement

Napoli’s winter strategy has taken a clearer shape, and Football Italia outline how the reigning champions intend to recruit at least one central midfielder in January. Manchester United’s young breakthrough talent Kobbie Mainoo remains “a primary January target”, yet the Partenopei are simultaneously keeping their options open. According to Gazzetta, they have identified Lorenzo Pellegrini, Morten Frendrup and Arthur Atta as realistic alternatives.

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This widening of the search reflects both ambition and uncertainty. Napoli have admired the United midfielder for more than a year, with Gazzetta claiming they “would have signed him last summer if it weren’t for Romelu Lukaku’s injury”, which redirected the transfer budget towards a centre forward in Rasmus Hojlund.

Rising Pressure Around United Midfielder’s Situation

Football Italia and other sources suggest Mainoo “wants to leave Old Trafford in January, even on loan”, driven by the need for consistent minutes heading into the latter half of the season. That desire has not gone unnoticed across Europe. Roma are also monitoring the situation, adding a second Italian club to the queue.

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Pellegrini, Frendrup and Atta Identified

Should United block a January approach, Napoli’s fallback options are clear. Pellegrini, whose Roma contract runs until 2026 and is “unlikely to be renewed”, stands out as the highest profile candidate. Gazzetta add that Genoa’s Frendrup and Udinese’s Atta are also under consideration, giving Napoli three defined pathways if their priority target proves unavailable.

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Napoli’s midfield rebuild is coming, with the United youngster still top of the list, but the alternatives are now sharply in focus.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

The growing interest from Napoli, Roma and others is a reminder of just how highly rated the young midfielder has become across Europe. Supporters understand his desire for more minutes, but the idea of losing him in January, even temporarily, will make many uncomfortable. His composure, intelligence and press resistance have already made him one of the most exciting prospects to emerge at Old Trafford in years.

Napoli’s long term admiration of Kobbie Mainoo, mentioned again in Football Italia’s report, shows how quickly his stock has risen. The line that they “would have signed him last summer” if finances permitted demonstrates that this is not a passing curiosity. Fans will appreciate that attention, but it also highlights the need for United to protect their best academy talents.

The suggestion that he “wants to leave Old Trafford in January, even on loan” will worry supporters. Most will feel strongly that the club must convince him his place is within the project, not elsewhere. Letting him gain experience in Italy could help his development, but it could also weaken United’s midfield depth in a crucial part of the season.

Supporters will also recognise Napoli’s interest in alternatives such as Pellegrini, Frendrup and Atta as a positive sign. It suggests United retain control of the situation rather than being backed into a corner. Ultimately, fans want the club to build around young, homegrown players, and losing such a gifted midfielder would feel like a step back.

United must handle this moment carefully. His future should be at Old Trafford, not on loan in Serie A.