Torino target Napoli striker as first-choice replacement for Zapata

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Alessandro Bai | Last updated Nov 23, 2024 8:56 AM ET

Torino have reportedly opened talks with Napoli to understand whether they’d be open to selling Giovanni Simeone, whom the Granata consider the ideal striker to replace long-term injured Duvan Zapata.

The Colombian striker suffered a major knee injury which will keep him sidelined until the end of the season, suddenly forcing coach Paolo Vanoli to do without his target man.

His absence took a toll on Torino’s performances, as the Granata lost four of the five Serie A games they played after losing Zapata, but this is something the club wants to fix in the win ter transfer market by securing a reliable alternative.

Torino open Simeone talks with Torino to replace Zapata

According to Tuttosport, sporting director Davide Vagnati contacted both Napoli and Simeone’s agents to learn the terms of a potential deal, with the Partenopei setting a €15m price tag on the 29-year-old.

While Aurelio De Laurentiis’ club won’t budge on the striker’s evaluation, they could be open to accepting a loan with an obligation to buy, although the feasibility of the deal ultimately depends on Antonio Conte, who will have the last word on the matter.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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