Antonio Conte Napoli head coach before the Serie A match between Napoli and Juventus at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 25, 2025 in Naples, ItalyAntonio Conte Napoli head coach before the Serie A match between Napoli and Juventus at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy
Antonio Conte Napoli head coach before the Serie A match between Napoli and Juventus at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy | Getty Images
Napoli manager Antonio Conte reportedly wants to sign one of Man United’s defenders this summer.
Man United are going to need to sell this summer as they aim to rebuild their squad under Ruben Amorim after what has been the worst season in the club’s history in the Premier League.
However, there are certain names that Amorim will want to keep at the club following his first year, despite the fact that they could generate some much-needed cash for the Red Devils.
Lisandro Martinez attracts interest from Napoli
One player that wasn’t on the list to sell this summer is defender Lisandro Martinez, who is recovering from a long-term ACL injury that he suffered at the start of 2025, with him likely not returning until the end of the year.
However, despite his injury, Napoli manager Antonio Conte reportedly wants to sign the Argentine, according to reports in Spain, as the Italian champions want to improve their defence this summer.
Fichajes is reporting that Martinez is one of Napoli’s key targets as they want to consolidate their defence ahead of next season as they are aiming to make a bigger impression in the Champions League.
Former Chelsea and Spurs manager Conte is reportedly keen himself on Martinez, however, it has not been reported that the defender would be willing to leave Man United. The Daily Mail have said that the 27-year-old is ‘uninterested’ in a move to the Serie A side.
The Red Devils paid £48m to sign him from Ajax in 2022, and he is now expected to be worth around £34m. It would likely be that United would only sell the Argentine if Napoli were to offer a generous transfer fee.
Barcelona star could replace Martinez if United sell him
Considering the uncertainty around Martinez’s injury, it wouldn’t necessarily be a bad move for the Red Devils to sell the defender, but if they were to, they would need to find a worthy replacement.
Araujo made just 12 La Liga appearances for Barcelona this season, meaning that he could be willing to make a move away from the Nou Camp this summer. Reports have said that United would be willing to offer up to £68m to sign Araujo, meaning they could fund a move for him by selling Martinez.
German club Bayern Munich had also been credited with interest in the defender, however, they recently signed former Bayer Leverkusen star Jonathan Tah, and so aren’t expected to invest heavily in a centre-back now.
Reports have said that United view Araujo as a key part of their squad rebuild this summer, with Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof departing, and Harry Maguire with just one year left on his contract.
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