Napoli’s ambitious pursuit of Manchester United prodigy Kobbie Mainoo appears to be hitting a significant standstill. According to transfer expert Luca Marchetti, speaking via Radio Marte, the Partenopei’s hopes of securing the young English midfielder are rapidly fading as the January window approaches.
The report reveals – relayed by AreaNapoli, that Napoli Sporting Director Giovanni Manna had a specific strategy in place to wrap up the deal by Christmas. This timeline was intended to provide Antonio Conte with a marquee reinforcement for the second half of the season, allowing the player to integrate during the winter break.
However, that self-imposed deadline has passed without a breakthrough, and the operation has effectively stalled due to the complexities involved in negotiating with the Premier League giants.
One of the primary obstacles is the firm stance taken by Manchester United. The English club is reportedly reluctant to let go of a player they view as a cornerstone of their future project, especially on the terms Napoli originally proposed. Furthermore, the financial demands associated with a permanent transfer or even a high-value loan have proven to be a bridge too far for Napoli’s current winter budget.
The Partenopei are considering the possibility of strengthening other parts of their squad, which could suggest that the pursuit of Mainoo is over.
