Image Credits: Imago Images
Napoli are preparing to back under-fire manager Antonio Conte with a significant January transfer war chest as the reigning Serie A champions look to halt a worrying slide in form.
The club’s president Aurelio De Laurentiis has communicated his willingness to provide a budget of at least €50 million to strengthen the squad during the winter window, according to reports from Il Mattino.
The investment comes at a critical juncture for Napoli, who have endured a difficult period as they attempt to defend their Scudetto title.
The Partenopei suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Bologna on Sunday, marking their third consecutive match without finding the net. The loss saw them slip from the Serie A summit.
Central to Napoli’s woes has been the serious hamstring injury suffered by star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne.
The former Manchester City playmaker tore his right biceps femoris muscle immediately after scoring a penalty against Inter Milan in late October and underwent surgery in Belgium. De Bruyne is not expected to return until at least February 2026, leaving a void in Conte’s midfield.
Adding to Napoli’s personnel concerns, key midfielder Frank Anguissa will be unavailable during a crucial period as he departs for the Africa Cup of Nations with Cameroon.
As a result, the Serie A giants are on the hunt for January reinforcements, and Federico Chiesa fits the bill.
Napoli’s interest in Chiesa hinges entirely on Liverpool’s willingness to sanction a loan deal.
With the Serie A champions needing to address multiple positions and working within a finite budget, they can only pursue the 27-year-old on a temporary basis rather than a permanent transfer.
Conte believes Chiesa’s versatility—having previously operated as a wing-back during his spells at Juventus and Fiorentina—would allow him to implement a permanent switch to a 3-5-2 formation.
For Chiesa, a January loan could prove mutually beneficial. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, regular playing time becomes increasingly important for the Italy international.
However, the 28-year-old recently rejected yet another Italy call-up from manager Gennaro Gattuso recently.
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