Italian journalist Fabio Santini has revealed that Tottenham are leading the race to sign Napoli winger Lorenzo Insigne, with Antonio Conte ‘crazy’ about the player.
Insigne has been synonymous with Napoli for the best part of the last decade but the 30-year-old’s future at Naples is in doubt as he is now approaching the final six months of his contract.
The Italy international was rumoured to be on Tottenham’s radar during the summer transfer window and it has been suggested (Corriere del Mezzogiorno via Sport Witness) that the Lilywhites could reignite their interest in the Italy international in January.
According to Calciomercato.it, Insigne is unhappy with the contract offer made by Napoli, with the likes of Spurs, Newcastle, West Ham, and Inter Milan tracking his situation.
Santini has now revealed that Tottenham are Insigne’s most likely destination, with the North London club keen on a January deal for the Napoli captain.
The journalist added that while Insigne is flattered by Spurs’ interest, he is yet to make up his mind about his future.
Santini said on 7 Gold’s program, Il Processo (as relayed by Area Napoli): “The closest team to Lorenzo Insigne is Tottenham. Their executive, Fabio Paratici is courting him closely.
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“Aurelio De Laurentiis (Napoli owner) is not bothered, quite the contrary. The patron believes the English one could be the right solution because Il Magnifico would leave Italy and, consequently, would not join a rival Serie A club.
“Antonio Conte is crazy about Lorenzo Insigne and would like the player as early as January. Insigne, of course, is flattered by the interest of both Conte and Tottenham, but he is undecided.
“He would not want to break up with Napoli during the current season. There have been meetings with Inter and Juventus, but Tottenham is the club closest to the player.”
Spurs Web Opinion
I find Santini’s claim quite surprising as I do not think Insigne is a natural fit for Conte’s system.
In addition, the 30-year-old is at his best when coming off the left, a position that Son Heung-min also thrives in.
I also have my doubts as to whether the Italy international would be a particularly good fit for the Premier League.
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