Manchester United have been keeping an eye on Napoli midfielder Eljif Elmas in recent weeks, according to a report from Italy. The North Macedonian emerged as a potential market opportunity ahead of the summer.
Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb report that the Premier League side are among the clubs monitoring the 26-year-old, who has been enjoying a strong season under Antonio Conte at Napoli.
Elmas has become one of the manager’s trusted options, even though injuries in the squad have forced him to adapt to different roles.
The situation is particularly interesting because of the structure of his current deal. Elmas joined Napoli from RB Leipzig with a purchase option set at €16m (£13.7m), a figure considered relatively low in the current market.
As a result, several Premier League clubs could look at the situation as a potential opportunity if Napoli decide to activate it and later move the player on. He wastargeted by West Ham last summer, when he still played at Germany, but ended up chosing the Italian side.
Napoli could make a profit without their asking price being too high.
Season under Conte
Despite not always playing in his preferred role, Elmas has remained an important figure in Conte’s rotation. Injuries within the squad have often pushed him deeper into midfield rather than the more advanced attacking position he was originally signed for.
He recently scored his first goal of the season against Torino, ending a long wait to get back on the scoresheet.
Speaking after that match, Elmas admitted the moment had been a relief after a difficult run without goals.
“I missed scoring a lot and I was sorry that I wasn’t scoring. It was a difficult moment for me, and finally I found it again after many matches. I’m happy for the goal, but the most important thing was to win and bring home the three points,” he said.
The midfielder also praised Conte for the confidence shown in him throughout the campaign.
“I didn’t hear what the coach said, thank you. He has always given me confidence and always believed in me. I always tried to give my best and do what he wants. I hope I did well”, he reflected.
Eljif Elmas
Role adaptation and Premier League interest
Elmas also acknowledged the tactical adjustments he has had to make this season, particularly when used as a deeper midfielder.
“When you play as a defensive midfielder you also need to defend, not just look for goals and go forward. Even when you change roles during the match it’s difficult, but I’m happy that I’m doing well”, he said.
With his versatility and a hopefully reasonable price, it is easy to see why Manchester United and other Premier League clubs could be paying attention ahead of the summer window.
Napoli’s decision on whether to activate the purchase clause from Leipzig will likely be the first step before any potential move materialises.