Latest news with #Lobotka
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report: Napoli Determined to Sign 'Versatile' Arsenal Defender
Napoli revisit Kiwior interest as summer rebuild begins Napoli are once again turning their attention to Jakub Kiwior as they look to bolster their defensive ranks ahead of a crucial summer transfer window. The 24-year-old Poland international is under contract at Arsenal until 2028, but is now attracting renewed interest from Serie A – with the Naples-based club leading the chase. Advertisement After a testing spell adapting to Premier League life, Kiwior's stock has risen following a string of solid performances in the latter part of the 2024/25 campaign. Arsenal's asking price currently stands at around €35 million (£30m), with Napoli weighing up their next move. Champions League return gives Napoli leverage Napoli's pursuit of Kiwior is not without competition. AC Milan have also expressed interest in the former Spezia defender, but it is Napoli who hold a potential edge. The club has qualified for next season's UEFA Champions League – a factor that could prove persuasive in negotiations. Kiwior's representatives, who also manage Napoli midfielder Stanislav Lobotka, are said to be fielding multiple offers. Yet Napoli's longstanding admiration for the player and their status in European competition might make them an attractive destination. The club previously attempted to bring Kiwior in during the January window, but Arsenal rejected a loan proposal. Photo IMAGO Arsenal open to sale but value must be met Arsenal have shown reluctance to part with Kiwior in the past, particularly after Gabriel Magalhães' injury created opportunities for the Pole to feature regularly. His increased involvement towards the end of the season did not go unnoticed. Mikel Arteta handed him a consistent run of starts, and Kiwior responded with composed displays, offering tactical flexibility and reliable cover on the left side of defence. Advertisement However, the North London club remain open to business if their valuation is matched. Arsenal are believed to view the €35 million asking price as fair, especially considering Kiwior's age, potential resale value, and the club's broader plans in the transfer market. Italy return on the cards for Kiwior For Kiwior, a return to Serie A could provide the regular minutes and tactical environment that best suit his strengths. His previous spell with Spezia saw him blossom into one of the league's most promising young defenders, ultimately earning his move to the Emirates in January 2023. Whether Napoli can finalise a deal may come down to how aggressively they move in the early stages of the window. With Milan also in the race and Arsenal under no immediate pressure to sell, time may be of the essence. 'Napoli have returned decisively to Jakub Kiwior, Arsenal's centre-back with a contract until 2028.' 'The agents, the same as Lobotka, have received multiple offers, but the blue club has an advantage: he will play in the Champions League and had already sought him in the past.' 'In January, Napoli had attempted a loan, but Arsenal rejected it. Now the Gunners are asking for around 35 million for the player, who at the end of the season became a starter for Arteta.'
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Serie A official line-ups: Napoli vs. Genoa
Napoli can take another giant leap towards the Scudetto as they host Patrick Vieira's Genoa, with Stanislav Lobotka shaking off a knock to start with Giacomo Raspadori, Scott McTominay and Romelu Lukaku. It kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT, 20.45 CET). Advertisement You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today's Serie A games on the Liveblog. The Partenopei went into the weekend with a three-point lead at the top of the table and have the added advantage of already knowing Inter's result away to Torino played earlier today. NAPLES, ITALY – MARCH 09: General view inside the stadium during the Serie A match between Napoli and Fiorentina at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 09, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by) There is already a party atmosphere in Naples after four consecutive victories, even though Alessandro Buongiorno and Juan Jesus are still out injured, with David Neres fit for the bench. The big doubt was over Lobotka, who limped off during last week's 1-0 away to Lecce with a sprained ankle, but he is able to start. Advertisement Once again, Matias Olivera is preferred as a makeshift central defender to Rafa Marin, while Giacomo Raspadori partners Lukaku, giving McTominay a wider role. Tough Genoa test against Napoli GENOA, ITALY – APRIL 4: Patrick Vieira, head coach of Genoa (right), issues Koni De Winter some instructions during the Serie A match between Genoa and Udinese at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on April 4, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by) Genoa are comfortably mid-table and still smarting from last week's 2-1 defeat to Milan, a game they had been leading 1-0. That was their third consecutive defeat, picking up only one point from the last four rounds, scoring just one goal in that period. Morten Thorsby is suspended, with Ruslan Malinovskyi, Fabio Miretti, Mario Balotelli, Maxwel Cornet, Caleb Ekuban and Alan Matturro injured. Andrea Pinamonti leads the attack, with Vitinha and Junior Messias in support, but Benjamin Siegrist gets his Serie A debut in goal. Napoli vs. Genoa official line-ups Napoli: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Olivera, Spinazzola; Politano, Anguissa, Lobotka, McTominay; Lukaku, Raspadori Advertisement Genoa: Siegrist; Sabelli, Otoa, Vasquez; Ahanor, Masini, Frendrup, Norton-Cuffy; Vitinha, Messias; Pinamonti Post navigation Serie A Week 36 Liveblog: Napoli vs. Genoa, Torino vs. Inter, Verona vs. Lecce
CNA
10-05-2025
- Sport
- CNA
League title all that matters for Conte at Napoli
Napoli go into the final three games of the season as Serie A leaders, and for their fans and manager that is the only focus for now, Antonio Conte said on Saturday. Conte's side have a three-point lead over Inter Milan, but even after a season which has exceeded all expectations at Napoli, there is constant media speculation over whether the coach will remain at the club next season. At a press conference before Sunday's home game with Genoa, when Conte was asked if the Napoli fans were asking him questions about his future, his response included the words of a famous Italian song. "Trust me, the fans in this moment don't ask me this question," Conte said with a smile. "The fans, apart from thanking me, they ask if we will win. And I answer that we will certainly try, as we are doing. This is their only question. "The rest? It's boredom, Franco Califano, 'Everything else is boredom'." Napoli will kick off against Genoa knowing Inter's result away to Torino. "Regardless, there will be pressure, we have to be good at directing it in a positive manner, as long as it is a help to remain concentrated, have desire and motivation," Conte said. "I think the final two games we will play at the same time, and that will be even better. "Playing first, playing later, we know that nothing will change, we have to think about our game." Conte also gave an update on the injury situation. "(Stanislav) Lobotka returned to the group yesterday, he trained again today, there is still a fitness test tomorrow morning to make the best decision," Conte said. "(David) Neres was back training partially yesterday, I think he can be called up for the bench, also to savour the atmosphere again. "(Alessandro) Buongiorno is still at a standstill and Juan Jesus, who is dying to return, he says he is ready but the doctors are holding him back." The manager was asked what has been most important for is Napoli side. "It all depends and starts from the head," Conte replied.
Reuters
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
League title all that matters for Conte at Napoli
May 10 (Reuters) - Napoli go into the final three games of the season as Serie A leaders, and for their fans and manager that is the only focus for now, Antonio Conte said on Saturday. Conte's side have a three-point lead over Inter Milan, but even after a season which has exceeded all expectations at Napoli, there is constant media speculation over whether the coach will remain at the club next season. At a press conference before Sunday's home game with Genoa, when Conte was asked if the Napoli fans were asking him questions about his future, his response included the words of a famous Italian song. "Trust me, the fans in this moment don't ask me this question," Conte said with a smile. "The fans, apart from thanking me, they ask if we will win. And I answer that we will certainly try, as we are doing. This is their only question. "The rest? It's boredom, Franco Califano, 'Everything else is boredom'." Napoli will kick off against Genoa knowing Inter's result away to Torino. "Regardless, there will be pressure, we have to be good at directing it in a positive manner, as long as it is a help to remain concentrated, have desire and motivation," Conte said. "I think the final two games we will play at the same time, and that will be even better. "Playing first, playing later, we know that nothing will change, we have to think about our game." Conte also gave an update on the injury situation. "(Stanislav) Lobotka returned to the group yesterday, he trained again today, there is still a fitness test tomorrow morning to make the best decision," Conte said. "(David) Neres was back training partially yesterday, I think he can be called up for the bench, also to savour the atmosphere again. "(Alessandro) Buongiorno is still at a standstill and Juan Jesus, who is dying to return, he says he is ready but the doctors are holding him back." The manager was asked what has been most important for is Napoli side. "It all depends and starts from the head," Conte replied. "Then what the fans ask of us, the heart, ours cannot be doubted, and then there are the legs which must be trained. But what moves everything is the head."
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Man United keen on Napoli midfielder Stanislav Lobotka
Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a move for Napoli's midfield general Stanislav Lobotka as Ruben Amorim looks for reinforcements in the middle of the park. According to reports in Italy, United have joined Barcelona and Paris Saint Germain in pursuit of the Slovakian, who wears the number 68 shirt for Antonio Conte's side. Advertisement TMW write that Lobotka 'could leave in the summer' as it is Napoli's last chance to make some real money from the player, who turns 31 at the end of November. Barcelona have 'already made it known' that they are keen on him, and now PSG and United have also 'expressed their desire to sit down and talk about the situation.' For Napoli's part, there could be a willingness to sell in a bid to 'rejuvenate' their midfield and they may look for a replacement on lower wages than the €3.5m a year they currently pay the 30-year-old. TMW claim that the Partenopei currently value Lobotka at €40m but indicate that there is likely to be room for manoeuvre on this figure. Advertisement The news outlet write that he has been 'one of Napoli's best players in the last three seasons' and note that last season 'he was one of the few to survive a disastrous year' which saw the club move through three coaches in one campaign. The Naples club signed Scott McTominay from United last year and the Scot has reached new heights in Italy, rubbing salt in the wounds of his struggling former employers. TMW also quote the player himself who, speaking to Radio CRC, sounds happy with his current situation at Napoli. He said: 'Every day I work to help the team, I try to be a leader on the pitch. 'When we have the ball I try to give everyone a hand to win the game. We are a really good team, both on the pitch and especially off the pitch, this is very important to me.' Advertisement It's certainly the kind of mentality which would likely appeal to Amorim, but his quotes don't read like a player preparing to depart his club. United are sure to hand the Portuguese a new central midfielder this summer, with 33-year-old Christian Eriksen set to depart Old Trafford and question marks surrounding Casemiro despite his recent resurgence in form. Amorim needs all the help he can get from the United board as he looks to build a team capable of bouncing back to the top level after this historically bad season comes to an end. Atalanta's Ederson is another player under consideration, and transfer guru Fabrizio Romano yesterday confirmed that he is top of the club's wishlist to beef up their midfield. Feature image Francesco Pecoraro via Getty Images Follow us on Bluesky: @
