Everton have been told that it would cost a transfer fee of €30 million for them to secure the signing of UEFA Euro 2020 winner Lorenzo Insigne from Napoli.
Speaking on RAI Sport during the Sunday Sportiva Estate broadcast, as relayed by Area Napoli, Italian journalist Ciro Verenato has claimed that Everton are among the clubs interested in signing Lorenzo Insigne from Napoli this summer, with the Italian international set to cost around €30 million.
Insigne has spent his entire footballing career at Napoli, having first joined the club’s youth ranks in 2006, barring a couple of loan spells. From an academy graduate to the captain of the club, the 30-year-old has come a long way during his time with the Partenopei. To date, he has racked up 397 appearances for the Serie A outfit, scoring 109 goals and setting up 85 more.
However, Insigne’s time at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium could be fast approaching an end as the 30-year-old has entered the final year of his contract with Napoli. Terms over a new deal are yet to be agreed due to disagreements over the wages being offered and demanded, leading to speculations surrounding his future.
And, journalist Ciro Verenato has provided the latest scoop on the Italian’s situation, insisting that Everton are one among the clubs that are keen on signing Insigne, along with Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid. “Inter have made an enquiry for both the Napoli captain and Lazio’s Correa. De Laurentiis’ hopes are high: he values number 24 (Insigne) at €30m despite him being out of contract in a year.
“Marotta would offer less than that plus Sánchez, already rejected by Napoli due to the high wages. Benitez’s Everton also like Insigne. Atlético Madrid are only interested in a year, on a free,” he said (h/t Sport Witness).
Everton’s interest in Insigne surfaced only last week, and a move for the 30-year-old, who was an integral part of the Italy team that won the UEFA Euro 2020, would make a lot of sense for the Toffees as well. Even though they have strengthened the wide areas with the signings of Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend, neither is known for their consistency.
Furthermore, Alex Iwobi has flattered to deceive since arriving at Goodison Park from Arsenal. Adding someone like Insigne, who has proven pedigree at the highest level, could thus elevate the quality of this Everton side. The prospect of him combining with the duo of Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin would certainly be a mouth-watering prospect for the Toffees’ supporters.
However, as Verenato mentions, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis wants €30 million for his captain, even though he is in the final year of his contract with the club. It remains to be seen if Everton are willing to match that figure or just decide to look at other options, including Real Madrid starlet Rodrygo Goes.
