It was previously reported that Everton were joined by Tottenham in a transfer tussle for out-of-favour Napoli forward Arkadiusz Milik – but recent reports have now added another suitor into the mix.
According to fresh details from Area Napoli, the Toffees’ Premier League rivals Newcastle reportedly had a bid worth more than £20m rejected by the Serie A giants.
Clubs across Europe were put on red alert after it emerged that the 26-year-old Polish international was unwanted in Napoli’s plans after his surprise axing from the Azzurri’s Europe League and Serie A squads.
Separate reports then indicated that Milik’s agents and entourage were actively trying to negotiate an exit for the player in January which would see the Poland striker commanding a transfer fee for his parent club. This was primarily due to frustrations over not being afforded any game-time in order to impress and showcase his skills.
It was previously believed that the player was willing to run down his Napoli contract, which expires next June, and leave as a free agent.
Earlier reports by Area Napoli had indicated that Milik would come as a highly affordable centre-forward, with Napoli wiling to accept a fee as low as £6.5m – although the latest reports of Newcastle’s summer bids may throw that figure into doubt.
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With low cost comes high competition for the prolific former Ajax striker, who has managed to score 48 goals in 122 appearances at the Stadio San Paolo.
Napoli’s rejection of Newcastle’s summer bid may serve as a litmus test for Everton; given the contractual situation, perhaps a figure around the £15m mark could be accepted. Alternatively, Napoli may try to hold on to Milik and let him leave for free, but this seems unlikely given his axing from their domestic and European squads.
Suitors for Milik will likely be abundant, even if the eventual fee ends up being higher than first thought. This will likely suit Napoli down to the ground as a bidding war emerges – to the detriment of Everton.
