Napoli are looking to bolster their attack ahead of their title defence in 2025/26. After losing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia mid-season, the left wing position is open.
According to the Sun, Napoli have £45m to spend on either Jack Grealish or Alejandro Garnacho, but won’t pursue both. This analysis will explore which player is best suited to the Serie A Champions.
Embed from Getty ImagesAntonio Conte’s Napoli play possession-based football and there’s a big focus on the wingers when going forward. They build from the back using adaptable formations such as the 3-4-3, 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1.
Wingers and attacking midfielders work closely together to create chances in the final third, with the wingers stretching the pitch to create gaps in the opposition’s defence.
This tactical approach is one reason for Napoli’s preference towards signing Grealish. According to the Sun, the Italian Champions would love to reunite Grealish with City legend Kevin de Bruyne who recently joined on a two-year deal.
Embed from Getty ImagesGrealish is the cheaper option at £45 million but is nine years older than Garnacho. The Argentine would be a better investment, but Manchester United want £70 million for him.
Garnacho was left out of Ruben Amorim’s starting line-up for the Europa League final defeat against Tottenham and was later told by the United boss to find a new club this summer, according to Sky Sports.
The 20-year-old is electric on his day and has more confidence than Grealish due to playing more minutes last season. He would also link up well with a former teammate of his own in Scott McTominay.
However, the £70 million price tag is far too high for a player Amorim doesn’t even want. Therefore, the Red Devils would need to lower their asking price for this transfer to make sense.
Everyone knows just how good Grealish can be, and perhaps this move is exactly what will reignite his career before it’s too late. The 29-year-old was left out Pep Guardiola’s squad for the final Premier League match of the season against Fulham, then also the Club World Cup squad.
Two seasons ago, Grealish was lighting up the Champions League stage, creating the most open play chances with 45. He is now a shell of his former self and needs this opportunity to prevent his high potential going completely to waste.
Both players are direct and enjoy one-vs-one’s but Garnacho does have a bit more pace which would suit Conte’s counter-attacking moves.
On the other hand, Grealish provides a lot more experience and excels as controlling the tempo in dangerous areas. His composure to slow the game down and win fouls is rare but so valuable in high stake fixtures.
Also, despite being slower than Garnacho, his footballing IQ is more suited to the Serie A where space is often restricted due to compact defensive set-ups.
The Manchester City man seems a better option financially, but £45 million is still a big risk for a player who has failed to find his confidence in almost 18 months. Overall though, at his best, his profile does suit Napoli very well.
Written by Isabelle Newnham
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