Napoli view Sevilla’s Juanlu Sanchez as replacement for Giovanni di Lorenzo | OneFootball

Formerly one of Napoli’s summer targets, Juanlu Sanchez’s name has cropped up yet again as a deputy to Giovanni Di Lorenzo.

The 22-year-old Sevilla wing-back was close to a move to Naples, yet priorities changed with Romelu Lukaku’s injury. That said, it seems that Conte hasn’t given up on the move. Sporting director Giovanni Manna is back in the thick of things to get negotiations moving again.

Sanchez has played six games so far (four of them as a starter) for a total of 402 minutes. Napoli haven’t stopped following him, nor has they stopped appreciating him. Gli Azzurri like his imposing physique, power, speed, and versatility as traits that could become an explosive mix in Conte’s hands.

Juanlu is young and eager to make the leap, and the agreement was already finalised in the summer. In theory, the last details need to be resumed. Conte’s side had previously submitted an offer of €18 million (plus possible bonuses) that was deemed satisfactory by the Spaniards, and the youngster was ready to sign a five-year contract worth approximately €2 million per season.

Now it will be up to Manna, who has already resumed discussions away from the spotlight, to convince the youngster and the club that a move to Napoli is still entirely possible.

GIFN | Max Bradfield