Napoli hired a new manager, Carlo Ancelotti, and now they are working on strengthening the roster for him in the upcoming season. They are starting with the goalie position, as they have to replace Pepe Reina who has moved on. They have taken steps forward for Rui Patricio of Sporting Club in Portugal, however, they are waiting for the Portuguese club to resolve its presidency before they make a definitive offer.
Some of their "old" targets are still in progress as well. There is optimism in the Napoli camp that they can sign Simone Verdi of Bologna, even though Inter are also interested in the player. In fact, Napoli are keen to sign a new winger and they believe they can sign either Verdi (the priority) or Politano of Sassuolo. Another name that they are thinking of is Berardi - who was close to arriving last January - but Roma are also interested in the player and they seem to be the club who have the strongest intentions of signing the player. Another player they really like is Vrsaljko of Atletico Madrid, who Ancelotti likes himself.
In addition to possible acquisitions, Napoli is working on keeping the players Ancelotti deems as untouchable. They are Koulibaly, Lorenzo Insigne and Zielinski (who has a release clause, but they are working on a renewal). If then Zielinski or Dries Mertens could leave because someone activates their release clause, they will make an attempt for Arturo Vidal of Bayern Munich, Moussa Dembélé of Tottenham and Benzema of Real Madrid, although these would be very difficult targets. There are no current talks ongoing for these players, but they are ideas who Ancelotti likes.
Another possible midfield target is linked to Jorginho: if the player transfers to Manchester City, who have been courting him for several weeks, they will try to close a deal for Leandro Paredes of Zenit or Fabian Ruiz of Real Betis, who is also of interest to Roma.
Finally, looking to the future of Maurizio Sarri, the desire of Napoli is to not give a discount from his release clause.
