Italian football legend Antonio Cassano has advised Napoli to target Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman as the ideal replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who recently joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in a €75 million deal.
The Serie A champions are searching for a playmaker to fit Antonio Conte’s high-pressure system. Cassano believes Lookman, currently thriving at Atalanta, is a better option than Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho.
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Speaking on the Viva el Futbol podcast, Cassano expressed doubts about Garnacho’s ability to adapt to Napoli’s demanding environment. He highlighted Garnacho’s lack of regular starts for Man United, which he described as a team “in difficulty.”
“Garnacho is young and strong, but he is not a starter at Manchester United, who are struggling,” said Cassano.
“And then he has to go to a complicated club where there’s a lot of pressure, where the coach grinds your balls.”
In contrast, Cassano praised Lookman’s readiness for the role, emphasising his consistent performances at Atalanta. He described the Nigerian international as a complete player who can score, provide assists, and contribute to the team’s overall play.
“Lookman would be perfect for Napoli. He has proven himself at Atalanta, and with €50 million, Napoli could secure a player ready to fit into Conte’s system seamlessly,” Cassano stated.
Lookman, 2024 African Player of the Year has been pivotal for Atalanta this season, further cementing his reputation as one of Serie A’s most dynamic attackers. The former Leicester City winger had reportedly been on the radar of top European clubs, including Liverpool and PSG before they acquired Kvaratskhelia.
Napoli, currently leading the Serie A table, aims to maintain their momentum in the title race while addressing the gap left by Kvaratskhelia’s departure.
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