Watford opinion: Gerard Deulofeu linked with Napoli – Good move?

According to Calcionapoli24 (h/t Football Italia), Serie A giants Napoli are interested in signing Watford forward Gerard Deulofeu during this transfer window.

The Gli Azzurri did make an attempt to sign the Spaniard back in the January window of 2018 (h/t Football Italia) when he was out of radar and was sitting on the Barcelona bench. They offered a fee of around €18m, with an add-on of €2m. (h/t Football Italia)

However, the player moved to Watford during the second part of the 2017/18 campaign and eventually signed a permanent deal with them last summer for a fee of around £11.5m. (h/t BBC) 

Now, Napoli are keen on re-igniting their interest in the 25-year-old, who had a fantastic campaign in the Premier League. (h/t Football Italia)

Here’s why the Hornets should not even think of selling the forward and guard off any offers coming from the Italian side:

Deulofeu perfectly fits Gracia’s system

Gerard Deulofeu had a great first full season at Watford, where he managed to score 12 goals and supply five assists in 33 appearances in all competitions (league and FA Cup).

More so than the stats, it’s the way he fits into this narrow 4-2-2-2 system of manager Javi Gracia that is the most pleasing aspect. 

We all know that the Spaniard is a versatile forward, who can play on either wing or as a support striker. At Watford, he is playing as the latter behind Troy Deeney and really playing some of his best football.

If we analyse his game a bit, the 25-year-old likes to have freedom and space on the ball, with which he can cause problems to the opposition defenders.

With Deeney battling with the centre-backs every time the ball comes, it frees up Deulofeu to pick up the loose balls and create an impact in the final third. For that reason, the duo gel well as a partnership.

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Conclusion

Therefore, being a key figure in the team and someone who fits into this system of the manager, it is now paramount for Deulofeu to stay at the club for some time now.

Watford also have no reason to let him go and shouldn’t even listen to bids from Napoli.