Napoli to pursue Chelsea full-back if West Ham beat them to signing
Italian side Napoli could move for a Chelsea full-back if West Ham beat them to the signing of Pervis Estupinan, according to reports.
Estupinan is a 23-year-old Villarreal defender who looks set to be on the move this summer. He made 33 appearances in all competitions last season as Villarreal finished seventh in La Liga.
He also played a part in the club’s Europa League triumph, as they beat Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United 11-10 in the penalty shoot-out.
Estupinan looks tailor-made for the Premier League and could join either West Ham or Napoli in the coming weeks.
According to Italian source Il Mattino (via Sport Witness), West Ham are prepared to outbid Napoli for the player’s signature. They have more financial power and are likely to get a deal over the line as a result.
Should Estupinan join up with David Moyes at the London Stadium, then Napoli may look to Emerson Palmieri of Chelsea.
Emerson has fallen behind Ben Chilwell and Marcos Alonso in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.
He was limited to just 15 games in all competitions during the 2020/21 campaign, including two in the Premier League. He is hoping to return to Italy before the transfer window shuts and Napoli looks like his best bet.
The Serie A giants would only be able to afford an initial loan deal. However, they might be able to include an option to buy ready for next year. Chelsea’s asking price is thought to be around £17m.
Lukaku set for Chelsea return
The Blues’ main focus at the moment is on Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian bagsman is close to re-joining Chelsea in a deal worth around €115m (£97.5m).
Pundit Rio Ferdinand thinks Lukaku will want to make a mark in England following his tough spell at Man Utd between 2017 and 2019. He managed 42 goals in 96 games but received criticism from fans and former players.
“I just think this guy, a lot of greatness comes through having fuel. What I mean by that is having doubters and wanting to prove them wrong,” Ferdinand said.
“He’s got a whole stadium full at Manchester United who doubted him, all the fanbase at Old Trafford doubted him. A lot of people weren’t too dissatisfied when he left.
“He will be sitting there and looking in the diary to see when that Old Trafford game is and he will want to unload.”
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