Maurizio Micheli is close to taking on a senior recruitment role at Arsenal, leaving Napoli for the second time.
The Italian has had two separate spells in Naples. Initially, he worked at the Partenopei as chief scout between 2010 and 2015. He returned in 2018 and has been working as head of scouting since.
He’s helped Napoli build some of their best sides, playing a role in two Serie A title wins.
Tuttomercatoweb’s Marco Conterio report his impending move to Arsenal comes as a ‘bolt from the blue’ for the Italian side. This is because he’s been vital to them across his two spells, so his exit is a shock.
Micheli is credited with signing stars like Marek Hamsik, Kalidou Koulibaly and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
There’s a belief that a lack of balance at Napoli has led to his departure. After their title win in 2023, CEO Aurelio de Laurentiis has had more control of the club than before. This didn’t sit well with Micheli, who will work closely with Andrea Berta at Arsenal.
The report claims Napoli could end up heavily regretting his exit, and the impact on their work in the market.
For Arsenal, none of this is their problem and all makes the swoop sound even better.