Torino target Napoli striker as first-choice replacement for Zapata | OneFootball

Torino have reportedly opened talks with Napoli to understand whether they’d be open to selling Giovanni Simeone, whom the Granata consider the ideal striker to replace long-term injured Duvan Zapata.

The Colombian striker suffered a major knee injury which will keep him sidelined until the end of the season, suddenly forcing coach Paolo Vanoli to do without his target man.

EMPOLI, ITALY – OCTOBER 20: Billy Gilmour of SSC Napoli and Giovanni Simeone of SSC Napoli celebrate the victory after during the Serie A match between Empoli and Napoli at Stadio Carlo Castellani on October 20, 2024 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

His absence took a toll on Torino’s performances, as the Granata lost four of the five Serie A games they played after losing Zapata, but this is something the club wants to fix in the winter transfer market by securing a reliable alternative.

Torino open Simeone talks with Torino to replace Zapata

According to Tuttosport, sporting director Davide Vagnati contacted both Napoli and Simeone’s agents to learn the terms of a potential deal, with the Partenopei setting a €15m price tag on the 29-year-old.

Giovanni Simeone SSC Napoli v ACF Fiorentina – Italian EA Sports FC Supercup Semifinal

While Aurelio De Laurentiis’ club won’t budge on the striker’s evaluation, they could be open to accepting a loan with an obligation to buy, although the feasibility of the deal ultimately depends on Antonio Conte, who will have the last word on the matter.