Connect with us

Eredivisie

Napoli keeping tabs on AZ Alkmaar winger Jesper Karlsson as Lozano replacement

Napoli are considering a summer move for AZ Alkmaar forward Jesper Karlsson, according to Sky Sport Italia.

The Partenopei have identified the Swedish winger as a replacement for Hirving Lozano, who is heading towards the exit door.

The Mexican winger’s contract expires in 2024, and he has courted interest from clubs in England, France and Saudi Arabia.

Karlsson’s progress has been on an upward trajectory since joining AZ in 2020.  

The 24-year-old bagged 13 goals and eight assists across all competitions last season.

He helped AZ finish fourth in the Eredivisie table – meaning they will play in Europa Conference League Qualifiers next season.

He was also pivotal in the Dutch giants reaching the semi-finals of the Conference League before losing to eventual winners West Ham United.

The Swedish star, who has 15 caps to his name, has a contract with AZ until 2026 and is valued at around €20 million.

Fellow Serie A club Lazio have also registered their interest in Karlsson, but they haven’t made any significant efforts in the pursuit.

The Partenopei are undergoing a major overhaul this summer, losing Scudetto-winning manager Luciano Spalletti – who has been replaced by Rudi Garcia.

Kim Min-jae is one step away from joining Bayern Munich, who have struck an agreement with the Italian champions.

The Bavarians will shortly exercise Min-jae’s release clause worth €50 million as the South Korean centre-back has completed his medical tests.

Napoli are also looking to resolve the future of talisman striker Victor Osimhen, who continues to be the subject of interest from several European heavyweights.

The Partenopei president Aurelio De Laurentiis has no intentions to sell the Nigerian centre forward this summer and is reportedly planning to tie him down to a new contract.

More in Eredivisie