Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski has emerged as a summer target for Premier League duo Manchester City and Liverpool.
Poland’s international played almost every minute of their country’s disappointing Euro 2020 campaign this summer when Paulo Sousa’s side was dumped in the group stage after receiving just one point from his three excursions.
Despite an overwhelming European championship, Zielinski’s form at club level with Napoli has attracted some admiring looks from all over Europe.
The 27-year-old missed just two Serie A matches for his team last season – both absences came after he contracted coronavirus in October – scoring eight goals and 11 assists in his 36 league appearances, and Calciomercato now reports that both City and Liverpool have left his interest in the midfielder.
Given Zielinski’s ability to chip in with goals from midfield, it is perhaps no surprise to hear Pep Guardiola has gained a shine over the Polish international.
Sergio Aguero’s injury problems and Gabriel Jesus’ overwhelming form last season meant that City relied heavily on goals from midfield, with Ilkay Gundogan finishing as the club’s top scorer with 17 in all competitions.
Piotr Zielinski was named Poland’s Euro 2020 team / Quality Sport Images / Getty Images
At the same time, Jurgen Klopp seems to be looking for a replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum after his move to Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.
Much was done to make the German tactician show faith in Curtis Jones and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain rather than dive into the market to replace Wijnaldum, although he seems to think reinforcements are necessary.
The report adds that Klopp is a long-time admirer of Zielinski and so, like Guardiola, his interest should probably not come as a surprise.
So far, none of the clubs have explored an agreement beyond contacting Napoli regarding the availability of the player, and it remains to be seen whether the rating of the Serie A outfit will be considered acceptable enough for either City or Reds to make a bid.
