Napoli Pursues Raheem Sterling Amidst Financial Constraints

Napoli has reignited its interest in Raheem Sterling as the English winger seeks an exit from Stamford Bridge. Sterling has been completely sidelined at Chelsea since the start of the season, having not played since his loan spell at Arsenal concluded at the end of the previous Premier League campaign.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Sterling is determined to leave London and is looking to resolve a lucrative contract that he feels has become a “prison” for his career. At 31, the forward is eager to return to the pitch, and his profile as a versatile attacker is appealing to Napoli’s management.

Napoli had initially targeted Sterling during the summer transfer window, and his name has resurfaced as Sporting Director Giovanni Manna evaluates cost-effective opportunities to enhance the squad. However, any potential move hinges on navigating a complex January transfer window characterized by stringent financial constraints.

The club’s ability to pursue Sterling or any other target is significantly limited by its “zero balance” policy for winter transfers. The board has mandated that expenditures cannot exceed earnings, making new signings reliant on generating funds through player sales.

Manna is already working on several player exits to facilitate this. Giuseppe Ambrosino is poised to join Venezia on loan, which includes a €2 million option to buy that becomes mandatory if the club is promoted to Serie A. Additionally, defender Marianucci, who recently contributed an assist in a 2-2 draw with Verona, has attracted interest from Cremonese and Torino.

Torino is reportedly attempting to hijack Marianucci’s transfer by offering a loan deal that includes a substantial €20 million option to buy, representing a significant profit on a player Napoli acquired for €9 million from Empoli.

A pivotal operation that could unlock Napoli’s market involves striker Lorenzo Lucca. The forward, a major investment for the club at €35 million (€9 million loan fee plus €26 million obligation) from Udinese, is drawing strong interest from Benfica.

Jose Mourinho’s side is eager to secure Lucca’s services, but negotiations have stalled over valuation, with Napoli initially requesting a package worth €30 million, a figure Benfica considers excessive. As the Portuguese club deliberates, Nottingham Forest is also keeping a close watch on the situation.

Napoli is willing to let Lucca leave, likely on an expensive loan with a right to redeem, but cannot approve his departure without first securing a replacement to support Rasmus Hojlund.

The urgency for a new forward has been heightened by Romelu Lukaku’s ongoing fitness struggles. The Belgian striker is reportedly still “very far” from making a return to the pitch following a serious left hamstring injury sustained on August 14. With Lukaku unavailable and Lucca potentially departing, Napoli is compelled to explore various options.

Artem Dovbyk has been proposed to the club by his agents; however, the Roma striker recently suffered a muscle injury against Lecce. Despite an estimated recovery time of 20 days, Napoli remains cautious about acquiring a sidelined player amidst a demanding schedule across three competitions.

Consequently, Manna is also assessing Evan Ferguson, currently on loan at Roma from Brighton, alongside the possibility of rescuing Sterling from his Chelsea exile to bolster the squad’s depth and experience in attack.