Napoli’s Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa is reportedly seeking a move away from the Serie A title contenders, with Chelsea emerging as the front-runners for the talented midfielder.
Anguissa played a crucial role in Napoli’s 2023 Serie A triumph under Luciano Spalletti. After experiencing a dip in form, similar to many of his teammates, Antonio Conte has helped the midfielder rediscover his best performances. Despite being a regular starter for Napoli, forming a dynamic partnership with Scott McTominay in a box-to-box role, Anguissa is said to be keen on a “change of scenery,” according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The 29-year-old Cameroon international had a brief, challenging spell at Fulham during the 2020/21 season, which ended in relegation. However, he could be on his way back to west London this summer, with Chelsea reportedly in “pole position” to secure his services.
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Napoli are reluctant to part with such an integral player and are keen to offer Anguissa a contract extension with a substantial pay increase. However, no agreement has been reached yet. To avoid losing him for free, the Serie A club has activated a two-year extension clause in his contract, which will keep him at the club until 2027.
Anguissa has publicly praised Conte’s management, stating earlier this year, “The coach made us realise we are a great team and we must all do more. We just need to prove that we are a great side, take it one game at a time, and focus solely on ourselves.”
However, there’s uncertainty around Conte’s future at Napoli. The former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur boss has hinted at leaving the club this summer, despite their title push. He recently expressed frustration with the club’s transfer strategy, saying, “I cannot live on miracles rather than planning. I don’t want to be massacred. I saw looting of our projects.”
Napoli’s firm financial stance could complicate Chelsea’s pursuit of Anguissa. If the contract extension goes through, Napoli will have greater control over any potential transfer. Chelsea have already signed defensive midfielder Dario Essugo from Sporting CP, but he lacks Anguissa’s experience.
