Napoli are lining up a summer swoop for Morocco international Eliesse Ben Seghir, as AS Monaco brace themselves for a busy transfer window.
The 20-year-old forward, one of the most promising products of the Principality’s academy, is attracting serious attention across Europe. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Napoli’s sporting director Giovanni Manna is a huge admirer and sees Ben Seghir as a perfect fit for Antonio Conte’s frontline.
But there’s a catch. Monaco reportedly want around €40–50 million for the player, and Napoli are weighing up their options.
The Italian champions have a hefty €200 million transfer budget but are prioritising other names, including Kevin De Bruyne and PSV winger Noa Lang who Marseille is also monitoring. Lang would come at a lower cost, around €25 million.
Ben Seghir’s numbers are solid. He scored nine and assisted four in 46 appearances this season, despite losing his starting place midway through the campaign. His flair, quick feet and ability to operate in tight spaces make him a tantalising option for clubs who want intelligent attacking movement. City, Liverpool, Bayern and Leverkusen are all keeping tabs.
Monaco, meanwhile, are reshuffling. Eric Dier is in. Ansu Fati is expected on loan. A left-back is being chased, with Sergio Reguilon named as a target. A new goalkeeper is also on the list, but it won’t be David De Gea, who extended his stay with Fiorentina.
Outgoings are expected too. Maghnes Akliouche is being courted, and Paul Pogba, currently without a club, has been offered to Monaco. The club’s sporting chief Thiago Scuro insists he wants Ben Seghir to stay, at least another season, but the player’s camp remains open.
Tensions with manager Adi Hütter haven’t helped either. The Austrian benched Ben Seghir for long spells, and their relationship is reportedly strained.
Ben Seghir, who is currently in camp with the Moroccan national team to gear up for the next friendly game against Benin next Monday, has been named in the Golden Boy shortlist, alongside fellow Moroccan budding talents Chemsdine Talbi and Ayyoub Bouaddi.
