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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
1Barcelona12110140112933
2Real Madrid1173121111024
3Atletico MadridAtletico126511871123
4Villarreal116322019121
5Osasuna126331716121
6Athletic Bilbao125431812619
7Real BetisBetis125431210219
8Mallorca12534109118
9Rayo Vallecano114431210216
10Celta Vigo125161820-216
11Real Sociedad124351010015
12GironaGirona124351517-215
13Sevilla124351217-515
14AlavesAlaves124171419-513
15Leganes122551216-411
16Getafe12174810-210
17Espanyol123181122-1110
18Las PalmasLas Palmas122371321-89
19Real ValladolidValladolid12228924-158
20Valencia11146817-97


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