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Barcelona, Inter Milan 'to battle for Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski'

Barcelona, Inter 'to battle for Napoli's Zielinski'
© Reuters
Barcelona and Inter Milan are reportedly in line to do battle in the race to sign Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski.

Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski has reportedly emerged as a potential transfer target for Barcelona and Inter Milan.

Having earned experience with Udinese and Empoli, Zielinski secured a move to the Naples-based outfit in 2016, costing an alleged €16m.

At the time, the deal was not regarded that notable, yet Zielinski has progressed into a Napoli legend with 342 appearances having been made in all competitions.

As well as contributing 50 goals and 46 assists, Zielinski starred during the 2022-23 Serie A title-winning campaign, missing just one of 38 league fixtures.

Ideally, Napoli would like to see the Poland international extend his stay at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona into a ninth campaign.

Napoli's Victor Osimhen celebrates scoring their third goal with Piotr Zielinski and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on March 19, 2023© Reuters

That may not prove to be the case, though, with the 29-year-old's contract currently due to expire at the end of the current season.

Although a renewal is still a possibility, a wide array of clubs are naturally monitoring the situation, aware of the opportunity to sign a world-class player on a free transfer.

According to Fichajes, Barcelona and Inter are each attracted to the idea of signing Zielinski in 2024.

In the case of Barcelona, securing deals for free agents has proven to be a popular route of late due to their well-documented financial problems.

FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta speaks during the board meeting on September 13, 2023© Reuters

Xavi can claim to be well stocked for options in midfield, yet Zielinski's versatility may prove to be a valuable asset in a squad that is sometimes being too reliant on younger players.

From Inter's perspective, they seemingly view Zielinski as a player who would demand a regular role in the starting role as they look to cope better with the demands of Serie A and the Champions League.

Simone Inzaghi's side currently sit two points clear at the top of the table, but 34-year-old Henrikh Mkhitaryan is currently viewed as a first-choice pick in their midfield three.

Inter also have a total of eight players who are 31 years of age and above in their senior ranks, and the arrival of Zielinski would marginally lower their average age in what may prove to be another summer of transition at San Siro.

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Napoli's Gianluca Gaetano celebrates scoring their third goal on September 30, 2023
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid34276174225287
2GironaGirona34235673423174
3Barcelona34227570432773
4Atletico MadridAtletico34214963392467
5Athletic Bilbao341710755332261
6Real Sociedad341412848351354
7Real BetisBetis33121384139249
8Valencia33138123738-147
9Villarreal33129125455-145
10Getafe341013114147-643
11Osasuna33116163749-1239
12AlavesAlaves33108153138-738
13Sevilla33911134246-438
14Las PalmasLas Palmas34107173043-1337
15Rayo Vallecano33713132742-1534
16Mallorca34614142740-1332
17Celta Vigo33710163750-1331
18CadizCadiz34414162349-2626
19Granada3349203661-2521
RAlmeria33111213267-3514


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