Could we see a straight swap?
Napoli's overachievement this season has made their manager, Maurizio Sarri, a very attractive prospect to many of Europe's elite clubs. His high intensity, silky, possession based style of play has propelled Napoli to second and kept the Serie a title race alive all season. It seems like that dream has died now, with a miracle needed, but he's still hot property, and could leave this summer.
Club president Aurelio de Laurentiis has never been afraid to speak his mind, and he has made it clear that they have been looking around for potential replacements.
De Laurentiis
told Corriere della Sera, “I already spoke to Sarri about the contract and he asked me to wait. If he decides to stay, then I am happy, otherwise I'll take that into account and will ensure the clause is paid.
“We've been looking around since October, both in Italy and in Europe. We saw people in Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, Russia and even Italy. If we wanted to continue the same system, Marco Giampaolo would be suitable.
“Simone Inzaghi, Giampaolo and Leonardo Semplici are all interesting options, it's about making the right choice.
“Antonio Conte would be a perfect colonel to ensure the rules are respected. He is a friend and lets nobody take a breather. We are not afraid of going forward, with or without Sarri."
De Laurentiis' public courting of Antonio Conte could be a tempting offer for the current Chelsea boss, who is almost certain to leave Stamford Bridge come the end of the season.
Should Conte head to Napoli, and should Sarri become available, he will not be short of options. We could even see a straight trade, with Sarri taking over at Chelsea.
The Napoli boss has been loosely linked with Arsenal too, since Arsène Wenger announced that he would be stepping down at the end of the season.
