Napoli ‘in bizarre double transfer swoop for Premier League flops’ as Italian champions bid to save awful season
ITALIAN champs Napoli are looking to resurrect their season with a bizarre double transfer swoop for Premier League flops Orel Mangala and Hamed Traore.
The Serie A kings cruised to title glory last season, hitting the 90 point mark with 28 wins and just four defeats.
But they are in turmoil this term after manager Luciano Spalletti quit to take the Italy national team job.
Napoli have already lost seven times in 20 matches, leaving them 17 points off leaders Inter Milan.
And they are onto their second manager of the campaign after replacing Rudi Garcia with Walter Mazzarri.
President Aurelio De Laurentiis has vowed to reinforce Napoli’s squad with new signings this month.
But fans could be left underwhelmed, with two Premier League duds now being lined up for moves to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Sky Germany claim Napoli have made a bid for Nottingham Forest midfielder Mangala.
And the Mail adds they are also in talks with Bournemouth for playmaker Traore.
Mangala, 25, is in his second season at Forest after a £21.5million move from Stuttgart.
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The Belgium international has two goals in 49 games.
And Napoli are hoping to secure a loan deal with a view to buy before rivals Juventus get there first.
As for Traore, he wants to return to Italy after featuring just 13 times following his move from Sassuolo a year ago.
Napoli also hope to sign him on loan, and they are ready to pay £22million for him this summer should the Ivorian impress.
Mazzarri has already lost key player Elijf Elmas, who was snapped up by RB Leipzig for £25m last week.
Star striker Victor Osimhen has been in the wars with injuries this term and is currently at the African Cup of Nations.
And fans will be hoping Mangala and Traore can shake off their Premier League woes to reignite their season.
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