MX23RW : Wednesday, May 29 02:58:47| >> :120:14140:14140:

Barcelona, Inter Milan 'to battle for Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski'

Barcelona, Inter 'to battle for Napoli's Zielinski'
© Reuters
Barcelona and Inter Milan are reportedly in line to do battle in the race to sign Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski.

Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski has reportedly emerged as a potential transfer target for Barcelona and Inter Milan.

Having earned experience with Udinese and Empoli, Zielinski secured a move to the Naples-based outfit in 2016, costing an alleged €16m.

At the time, the deal was not regarded that notable, yet Zielinski has progressed into a Napoli legend with 342 appearances having been made in all competitions.

As well as contributing 50 goals and 46 assists, Zielinski starred during the 2022-23 Serie A title-winning campaign, missing just one of 38 league fixtures.

Ideally, Napoli would like to see the Poland international extend his stay at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona into a ninth campaign.

Napoli's Victor Osimhen celebrates scoring their third goal with Piotr Zielinski and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on March 19, 2023© Reuters

That may not prove to be the case, though, with the 29-year-old's contract currently due to expire at the end of the current season.

Although a renewal is still a possibility, a wide array of clubs are naturally monitoring the situation, aware of the opportunity to sign a world-class player on a free transfer.

According to Fichajes, Barcelona and Inter are each attracted to the idea of signing Zielinski in 2024.

In the case of Barcelona, securing deals for free agents has proven to be a popular route of late due to their well-documented financial problems.

FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta speaks during the board meeting on September 13, 2023© Reuters

Xavi can claim to be well stocked for options in midfield, yet Zielinski's versatility may prove to be a valuable asset in a squad that is sometimes being too reliant on younger players.

From Inter's perspective, they seemingly view Zielinski as a player who would demand a regular role in the starting role as they look to cope better with the demands of Serie A and the Champions League.

Simone Inzaghi's side currently sit two points clear at the top of the table, but 34-year-old Henrikh Mkhitaryan is currently viewed as a first-choice pick in their midfield three.

Inter also have a total of eight players who are 31 years of age and above in their senior ranks, and the arrival of Zielinski would marginally lower their average age in what may prove to be another summer of transition at San Siro.

ID:527864:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4269:

Click here for more stories about Piotr Zielinski

Click here for more stories about Barcelona

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Napoli's Gianluca Gaetano celebrates scoring their third goal on September 30, 2023
Read Next:
Sunday's Serie A predictions including Napoli vs. AC Milan
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid38298187266195
2Barcelona38267579443585
3GironaGirona38256785463981
4Atletico MadridAtletico382441070432776
5Athletic Bilbao381911861372468
6Real Sociedad3816121051391260
7Real BetisBetis38141594845357
8Villarreal381411136565053
9Valencia381310154045-549
10AlavesAlaves381210163646-1046
11Osasuna38129174556-1145
12Getafe381013154254-1243
13Celta Vigo381011174657-1141
14Sevilla381011174854-641
15Mallorca38816143344-1140
16Las PalmasLas Palmas381010183347-1440
17Rayo Vallecano38814162948-1938
RCadizCadiz38615172655-2933
RAlmeria38312234375-3221
RGranada3849253879-4121


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!