A recent title winner now wants to leave his club following interest from both Aston Villa and Manchester United.
With Champions League qualification, Aston Villa now find themselves in the privileged position of being able to attract some of the top players from around Europe.
Manager Unai Emery also has a real pull when it comes to transfers, with players keen to work under the Spaniard who has won the Europa League four times.
Despite Champions League qualification, Villa will still need to be careful with their spending this summer so that they do not breach Premier League and UEFA spending rules and may have to sell to buy.
The club appear to be particularly keen on a new right-back this summer, with Denzel Dumfries and Jeremie Frimpong both linked.
Now, though, there has been a development which could significantly increase their chances of signing a Serie A winning captain.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo could join Aston Villa this summer
Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo looks set to leave the Italian club this summer, having become disillusioned in the direction the Naples side are moving in since winning the title in 2022/23.
Villa were linked with a move for the 30-year-old right-back last month and the latest from the player’s agent suggests a move could now be imminent this summer.
According to Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web, there have been discussions between Di Lorenzo’s representatives and the Napoli sporting director, Giovanni Manna, about leaving this summer, with his agent revealing: “Di Lorenzo had a conversation with Manna in recent days, as did all of his teammates.
“They talked about the year that is coming to an end and the prospects for next season. Di Lorenzo expressed to Manna some feelings about a lack of trust on the part of the club towards him.”
Di Lorenzo’s agent went on to say how Manna responded, explaining: “To this statement from the captain, Manna expressed his strong personal esteem for him, but president De Laurentiis is willing to sell in response to an offer.”
This is said to have put a number of Serie A clubs on high alert, as well as both Villa and Manchester United, with Transfermarkt valuing the player at around £15 million.
Di Lorenzo a significant upgrade on Matty Cash
Matty Cash has been an important player for Villa over the past couple of seasons, but his time as a starter looks as though it could soon come to an end.
If that is the case, then Di Lorenzo would be a really good addition, with his experience, leadership qualities and ability all making him a very attractive proposition.
It his clear from links with Dumfries, Frimpong and now Di Lorenzo that Emery is after an attack-minded right-back to bolster his ranks.
Since joining Napoli in 2019, Di Lorenzo has made a remarkable 231 appearances in five years, scoring 15 goals and providing 36 assists according to Transfermarkt.
When Di Lorenzo made the move from Empoli to Naples, De Laurentiis was full of praise for the player, saying: “Di Lorenzo is the first gift for Ancelotti. He is an excellent full-back, is still young at 26 and a very good buy.
“I like that players who come from what might seem like minor clubs end up having a greater sense of responsibility and effort, because they have to fight to the end and not talk too much.”
Napoli were hugely disappointing as they finished 10th this season, failing dramatically to defend their title, and Di Lorenzo sounds keen to move on.
Perhaps a move to the Premier League will entice the aggressive defender, with the chance to add to his 26 Champions League appearances likely making Villa a more attractive proposition than Manchester United currently.
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