Napoli’s Lorenzo Insigne could spark a bidding war in the summer transfer window, as Premier League giants and rivals Arsenal and Liverpool could battle for the Italian international’s signature.
The 25-year old has had a good season so far with the Naples based outfit and has garnered interest from Jurgen Klopp’s side, who are keen to add some depth to their ranks, having struggled since the turn of the year.
The Gunners are chasing Insigne as a potential replacement for their talismanic attacker Alexis Sanchez, amidst reports that the Chilean is unhappy at the Emirates and is inching towards the exit doors come summer, with La Liga side Sevilla touted to be the potential destination.
Insigne has been in good touch for Napoli this season and has played an important role in their run to the third position in the Serie A. He has featured 35 times for the Partenopei this season across all competitions and has netted an impressive 9 goals, along with 9 assists. A versatile operator, Insigne is primarily a left-sided wide player, but can operate as a central attacking midfielder or even as an auxiliary striker, making him a valuable asset to any team that he joins.
Insigne has two more years left on his existing deal with the club and Napoli are trying to get him to sign an extension. But reports say that the negotiations have hit a roadblock, paving way for the English clubs to make a move. However, it has also been said the player himself wishes to stay in Naples, where he learnt his trade and developed into a fine footballer.
But with speculations over his future doing the rounds, here we give you three reasons why he should choose to move to the Merseyside instead of North London, in case he decides to leave Italy:
Alexis Sanchez Might Not Leave at All
With all the hullabaloo surrounding Alexis Sanchez’s rumoured exit from the Emirates, it might very well happen that the Chilean will stay put with the Gunners. Yes, the rumours have been making rounds for quite some time now, but the contract situation is also yet to be resolved. There has been nothing said by the player and judging by his attitude on the field, you don’t think he’s someone who is disgruntled or disillusioned.
Sanchez has been performing at the highest level for Arsenal this season and has been their best player by far. And the Gunners will do everything in their power to make him stay. And if he does stay, it beckons the question as to would Insigne be even needed at the Emirates? Probably not.
Daniel Sturridge’s Imminent Exit
On the other hand, at Anfield, there is a similar situation brewing with Liverpool’s star forward Daniel Sturridge growing unhappy and looking for an exit in the upcoming summer. The Englishman has been struggling for fitness for two seasons running now and has found it extremely hard to fit into the way Klopp likes his team to play. The German has had a hard time accommodating him in the line-up. As a result, the 27-year old has been constantly linked with a move away from Anfield and that could very well happen this summer.
That would open up a space for Insigne in the line-up. He could be the perfect player to operate in the false nine position that Klopp loves to have in his team. With his swift feet and fast movement, he could strike a great partnership with the likes of Sadio Mane, Philippe Coutinho, and co.
Question Marks Over Arsene Wenger’s Future
Arsenal are a big team who will keep challenging for the European spots year in year out and regularly feature in the Champions League. But the fact that they haven’t won a Premier League title in a very long time has been something that has been time and again held against manager Arsene Wenger. And looking at Arsenal’s current situation, this could very well prove to be the Frenchman’s last season at the helm of the Gunners’ squad if he fails to turn things around.
If that happens, Insigne might find it a touch more difficult to settle in. With a new manager coming in, there will be a lack of stability around the club and the new man-in-charge may have his own preferences for players and might not consider Insigne a part of his plans. So, unless it is an absolutely certain that Wenger is staying for the upcoming season, considering a move to the Emirates in the summer might lead to a difficult situation.