Serie A leaders Napoli are reportedly plotting an ambitious move to sign Manchester City attacker Jack Grealish this summer.
The 29-year-old joined Pep Guardiola‘s side for £100m from boyhood club Aston Villa in 2021 and played an integral role in the club’s historic 2022-23 treble-winning campaign.
However, Grealish has since failed to make the desired impact for the Citizens, going through 2024 without netting a single goal in 32 appearances before ending his miserable drought by converting a penalty in Man City’s 8-0 demolition of Salford City in the FA Cup in January.
Grealish has lost his regular starting spot on the left flank under Guardiola, starting just seven of his 19 Premier League appearances this season and chipping in with only one goal and one assist.
The England international has two years remaining on his contract at the Etihad Stadium, but a potential summer exit has been mooted as Man City plan to make major changes to their senior squad.
© Imago
Grealish open to move abroad amid Napoli interest
According to The Sun, Napoli are tracking Grealish amid growing uncertainty over his future and head coach Antonio Conte is said to be a ‘huge fan’ of the attacker.
Conte, who formerly coached both Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, believes Grealish would be a marquee signing for Napoli and he could help the club become Champions League contenders next season.
Sources close to Grealish claim that the player is open-minded about the prospect of leaving Man City and recognises that a move could be key if he wishes to force his way back into the England squad.
It is also understood that a switch abroad would be Grealish’s preference rather than staying in the Premier League, while Man City would be reluctant to allow the attacker to join an English rival.
© Imago
Could Grealish become latest PL player to join Napoli?
Napoli have recent history when it comes to luring players with Premier League experience to Serie A, as they signed Romelu Lukaku, Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour on permanent deals last summer, while Philip Billing joined on loan from Bournemouth.
Conte’s side are on the lookout for a new left-sided attacker after selling Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to Paris Saint-Germain for €70m in the January transfer window.
Napoli were credited with an interest in Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho during the winter window, but they now appear to have identified Grealish as an alternative target.
The Serie A title hopefuls may not be the only foreign club who make a move for Grealish this summer, as both Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan have also been credited with an interest, the latter of whom signed Kyle Walker on loan from Man City in January.
A return to Villa as well as a move to either Spurs or Newcastle United has also been mooted for Grealish, while Sky Sports News reporter Kaveh Solhekol claims that Saudi Pro League clubs will consider making an approach for the Englishman.
