Napoli Eyes £43m Double Transfer Swoop for Scotland Internationals

Napoli Eyes £43m Double Transfer Swoop for Scotland Internationals

Italian football giants SSC Napoli are reportedly gearing up for a £43 million double transfer swoop that could see them bolster their squad with two of Scotland’s brightest football talents. The Serie A club is said to be in advanced negotiations to bring in defender Aaron Hickey from Brentford and midfielder Billy Gilmour from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Napoli’s interest in the duo underlines their ambition to strengthen their squad depth as they aim to compete on multiple fronts, including the Serie A title race and their UEFA Champions League campaign. The club’s sporting director, Cristiano Giuntoli, is believed to be spearheading the negotiations, with the club hoping to finalize both deals before the transfer window closes at the end of August.

Aaron Hickey, 22, has emerged as one of the most promising young defenders in European football. The Scottish left-back made his mark in Serie A during his time at Bologna before moving to Brentford in the English Premier League last summer. Hickey’s versatility, allowing him to play on both flanks, has caught the attention of several top European clubs, but it is Napoli who have made the most significant strides towards securing his signature.

Hickey enjoyed a successful 2023/24 season with Brentford, helping the team secure a mid-table finish in the Premier League. His defensive solidity, coupled with his ability to contribute to attacking plays, has made him a key target for Napoli. The Scottish international’s familiarity with Serie A, having spent two seasons in Italy with Bologna, is another factor that makes him an attractive prospect for Napoli.

According to sources close to the negotiations, Napoli is prepared to offer Brentford £25 million for Hickey, a fee that could rise with performance-related add-ons. The defender is reportedly keen on returning to Italy, where he enjoyed significant personal and professional growth during his time with Bologna.

Billy Gilmour, 23, has been another standout Scottish talent, with his technical prowess and vision in midfield earning him widespread praise. After joining Brighton & Hove Albion from Chelsea in the summer of 2022, Gilmour has developed into a key player for the Seagulls. His ability to dictate the tempo of the game and his precise passing range has made him a crucial component of Brighton’s midfield.

Napoli sees Gilmour as the ideal candidate to add creativity and control to their midfield, especially as they prepare for the rigors of the Champions League. With his experience in the Premier League and international football, Gilmour would bring a blend of youth and maturity to Napoli’s midfield.

Negotiations between Napoli and Brighton are said to be progressing well, with a £18 million fee being discussed for Gilmour’s transfer. Brighton, aware of the midfielder’s potential and value, is expected to hold out for a sum that reflects his importance to the team. However, Gilmour’s reported interest in joining a club that can offer Champions League football could be a decisive factor in the deal.

The potential acquisition of Hickey and Gilmour is part of a broader transfer strategy by Napoli to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level in Europe. After winning the Serie A title last season, Napoli is determined to maintain their domestic dominance while making a deep run in the Champions League.

Cristiano Giuntoli and head coach Rudi Garcia have identified the need for reinforcements, particularly in defense and midfield, to achieve these goals. The club’s management is confident that the addition of two young, talented players like Hickey and Gilmour would provide the squad with the depth and quality needed to navigate the challenges of a demanding season.

Should the deals for Hickey and Gilmour be completed, Napoli would become home to a burgeoning Scottish contingent in Serie A. The move would also highlight the increasing influence of Scottish players in top European leagues, with both Hickey and Gilmour representing the next generation of Scottish footballing talent making waves on the continent.

As the summer transfer window enters its final weeks, all eyes will be on Napoli as they look to finalize the deals for Aaron Hickey and Billy Gilmour. The £43 million double swoop, if successful, would not only strengthen Napoli’s squad but also underscore the club’s ambitions for the 2024/25 season. Fans and pundits alike will be eagerly awaiting further developments as the transfer saga unfolds.