Report Natali appreciated by Napoli after U19 and Bayer Leverkusen spell | OneFootball

Napoli have set their sights on Italy Under-19 international and Bayer Leverkusen talent Andrea Natali, claims Sportitalia transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà.

The defender only turned 18 in January, but is already making a name for himself on the European stage.

The son of former player Cesare Natali, he started out in the Milan youth academy, going on through Espanyol, Barcelona and Bayer Leverkusen, spending this season on loan in the Netherlands with AZ Alkmaar.

Natali future of Italy defence

ESSEN, GERMANY – JULY 26: Andrea Natali of Leverkusen runs with the ball during the pre-season friendly match between Rot-Weiss Essen and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Stadion an der Hafenstrasse on July 26, 2024 in Essen, Germany. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

Despite his tender age, he is already a regular for Italy at Under-20 level with five caps and one goal, and is in the squad for the European Under-19 Championship.

Pedullà maintains negotiations are in full swing for Natali with both his agent and Bayer Leverkusen, as Napoli want to make an investment for the future of their defence.

His contract with the German side only runs to June 2027, so they are hoping to get a good price for the centre-back.