Napoli Are Eyeing Up A Bid For This Everton Star: How Will The Move Be Possible For The Toffees? | OneFootball

Reports emerging from Italy suggest that Napoli have identified Everton forward Beto as a primary target. They want him to reinforce their attack should Lorenzo Lucca depart the club in the current window.

Napoli Target Everton striker Beto as Potential Lucca Replacement

Journalist Ciro Venerato spoke to RAI (via AreaNapoli and MondoNapoli) about the situation. He claims the Serie A champions are preparing for the exit of Lorenzo Lucca. Premier League outfit Nottingham Forest have reportedly had an offer accepted for the Italian marksman.

However, the situation remains fluid. Lucca is reportedly still comparing his options, including interest from Sean Dyche’s Forest. If Lucca does leave Naples, the Azzurri will require an immediate replacement. So, Beto has surged to the top of their shortlist.

Venerato claims that Napoli’s sporting director, Giovanni Manna, is currently evaluating the Portuguese striker. Antonio Conte, the Napoli manager, admires the 27-year-old. He values the physical presence that the Guinea-Bissau striker displayed during his previous stint in Italy.

Napoli have also considered Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee and Brighton’s Evan Ferguson. However, the club view those deals as significantly more complicated. Roma’s sporting director has recently indicated that United have blocked a departure for Zirkzee. This leaves Beto as the most attainable option for Conte’s side.

A Logical Escape Route for Beto?

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 10: Beto of Everton looks on during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Everton and Sunderland at Hill Dickinson Stadium on January 10, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images)

This potential transfer appears to carry a degree of logic for all parties involved. This is especially true given Beto’s mixed fortunes since arriving at Goodison Park. The Guinea-Bissau international made a £25 million switch from Udinese in 2023.

Since then, he has struggled to cement a starting berth. He often acts as a battering ram off the bench. Beto has shown flashes of his aerial dominance, but he has lacked clinical consistency in front of the goal. His goal return in the Premier League has been modest. On top of that, Beto often looks isolated against the pace and technical demands of the English top flight.

In contrast, his reputation in Serie A remains intact. His time at Udinese yielded double figures in back-to-back campaigns. This proved he can thrive in the tactical, slower-paced Italian game.

Antonio Conte’s system demands a focal point capable of holding up play and occupying defenders. This fits Beto’s profile far better than his current role on Merseyside. If Lucca finalises his move to Nottingham Forest, a swift return to Serie A could provide the career revitalisation Beto really needs.