Napoli Close to Completing Deal for Kostas Manolas & Prepare Nathan Ake Alternative
Napoli are close to completing a deal for Roma's central defender Kostas Manolas, however are preparing for all eventualities by lining up a possible move for Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake.
The Neapolitans are desperate to find a replacement for the departing Raul Albiol, who is set to return to Villarreal after the Andalusians pay his €4m release clause, and Manolas is viewed as the ideal pairing with Kalidou Koulibaly.
Sky Sports Italia report (via Football Italia) that Manolas has already agreed personal terms with Napoli, but negotiations between the clubs continue as Partenopei would prefer to offer Roma a swap deal rather than pay his €36m release clause.
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The two clubs are locked in negotiations, with midfielder Amadou Diawara being offered up. However, it is reported that Roma would rather include attacker Dries Mertens in the deal as it would make it fairer from their view, however, Carlo Ancelotti is not willing to include the Belgian at this time.
It is believed that a compromise could be met with defender Mario Rui potentially being included within the negotiations.
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In a separate report by TuttoNapoli, they claim that if the Roma and Napoli cannot come to an agreement over Manolas, Bournemouth's Ake is seen as a backup option to replace veteran Albiol.
Last year Napoli's sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli inquired about Ake's valuation but was put off by the €40m price tag that Bournemouth put on their central defender.
The Italian outfit are now willing to return to the negotiation table should their attempts to sign Manolas fall through t is believed that they would present Bournemouth with an offer of €30m.
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Manolas remains the number one target for Ancelotti and Napoli, however, it seems that both clubs are still some distance from agreeing upon a deal.
Should negotiations fall through, second choice Ake would still be a strong addition to the Italian outfit as they look to challenge for the Serie A title next season.
