Napoli join the race for Newcastle United target Abde Ezzalzouli | OneFootball

The race for Real Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli is heating up, as Serie A giants Napoli officially enter the frame to challenge Newcastle United for the Moroccan’s signature.

After seeing their initial move for Osasuna’s Victor Munoz hijacked by a late Liverpool bid, the Magpies are under pressure to secure a marquee attacking signing, and Eddie Howe views Ezzalzouli as a perfect fit due to his relentless work rate and directness.

Newcastle’s plans to secure a deal have been complicated by Napoli’s interest. Fresh off a second-place finish in Italy’s top flight, the Neapolitans arrive at the negotiating table wielding the sporting appeal of guaranteed Champions League football.

Ezzalzouli’s market value has soared following a breakout campaign under Manuel Pellegrini, where his combination of aggressive dribbling and clinical output saw him register 15 goals and 10 assists across all competitions.

Napoli’s pursuit completely changes the dynamics of the deal, shifting leverage back to Real Betis. The Andalusians are determined to hold out for the maximum possible fee, particularly because Barcelona negotiated a 20% sell-on clause when they allowed the winger to leave Camp Nou in 2023.

While Ezzalzouli is currently sidelined, recovering from a minor knee ligament injury sustained during Morocco’s pre-World Cup friendly against Norway, a setback that ruled him out of the summer’s tournament, his injury has done nothing to cool the intensifying market interest.

For Newcastle and sporting director Ross Wilson, the margins for error have vanished. Failing to fend off Napoli’s interest and losing out on Ezzalzouli would be a massive blow to the club’s summer ambitions, especially after the Munoz saga.