Napoli are targeting Federico Gatti as one of Massimiliano Allegri’s first defensive signings, with the incoming coach understood to want the Juventus centre-back at his disposal once his appointment is formally confirmed following the resolution of his contract dispute with Milan.
According to SportMediaset, via TuttoMercatoWeb, the deal could be concluded for approximately €20 million, a figure that would represent a significant profit for Juventus given Gatti’s original transfer fee from Frosinone.
The defender worked closely with Allegri at Juventus and the coach’s desire to reunite with him in Naples is understood to be a genuine factor in the pursuit.
Gatti’s Juventus exit likely as Napoli eye Allegri reunion
Gatti’s departure from the Bianconeri has been anticipated for some time. Luciano Spalletti has consistently looked beyond the Italian international in his defensive planning, and the expected arrival of further centre-back reinforcements at Juventus this summer will only reduce his chances of regular football further.
A move to Napoli would give Gatti not only a fresh start but the benefit of working with a coach who knows his qualities intimately and rates him highly.
The deal, like so much of Napoli’s summer business, is contingent on Allegri’s official arrival, which itself awaits the finalisation of his severance agreement with Milan.