Napoli close in on Samardzic and Mazzocchi

Walter Mazzarri will soon receive much-needed reinforcements as Napoli are reportedly close to signing Lazar Samardzic from Udinese and Pasquale Mazzocchi from Salernitana.

Multiple reputable sources in Italy claim the defending Serie A champions are ready to welcome the first two reinforcements of the winter transfer window.

The priority is Samardzic, identified as Eljif Elmas’ replacement at the Stadio Meazza.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Partenopei are in talks with the player’s father, Mladen, after reaching a principle of agreement with Udinese for circa €20m.

Samardzic had undergone medical tests with Inter last summer but didn’t join the Nerazzurri as his father failed to reach an agreement with Beppe Marotta.

This time, however, negotiations are expected to end differently as the 21-year-old midfielder is pushing to move to the Stadio Maradona and all parties hope to shake hands soon.

Napoli are also in advanced talks with Salernitana for Mazzocchi who would become Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s backup at the Stadio Maradona.

According to Sky Sport Italia, Napoli have already raised an offer from €1.5m to €2.5m, but Salernitana’s asking price is €4m. The Serie A champions can match this sum by including add-ons in a third bid.

According to La Repubblica, Mazzocchi wants to join Napoli in the winter transfer window and has already informed the Granata about his desire to leave. Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli says his transfer to the Stadio Maradona is ‘imminent.’