Napoli have identified RC Lens defender Kevin Danso as a potential target as their search for a new central defender continues, according to Calcimercato.com.
The Partenopei have prioritised landing a new centre-back this summer after losing Kim Min-jae to Bayern Munich.
Replacing the South Korean international will be tough, given he was arguably the best centre-back in Serie A last season and pivotal in Napoli’s Scudetto triumph.
The latest name to emerge on the long list of potential defensive targets is Danso, who has the potential to replace Min-jae.
Lens enjoyed a fairy-tale run in Ligue 1 last season, finishing second in the table to secure Champions League qualification for the first time since 2002/03.
At the heart of the dream run was Danso, who made 37 appearances in Ligue 1 and produced impressive performances along the way.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has reportedly met with the delegates of the French club to discuss a potential deal for the Austrian defender.
De Laurentiis has made an offer worth €20 million, while Lens are leveraging Danso’s contract situation – which runs until 2026 – and are demanding around €30m.
The Partenopei higher-up is looking to negotiate the fee as he wants to persuade Danso to Diego Maradona Stadium, having been impressed by his profile.
Max Kilman, Robin Le Normand and Konstantinos Mavropanos are also being shortlisted by the Serie A champions as possible centre-back targets.
The Neapolitans are also working on midfield reinforcements, identifying Boubakary Soumare, Ryan Gravenberch and Giovani Lo Celso as potential targets.
