Napoli push for Gila as Marín returns. Now a big-name exit or a change of system?

While they wait to make Massimiliano Allegri’s arrival as new head coach official, SSC Napoli have already begun working on the transfer market with fairly clear ideas about the first additions they want to make, regardless of departures.

These are signings to be finalised even before understanding whether Lorenzo Lucca or Romelu Lukaku will leave in attack; whether Kevin De Bruyne intends to honour his contract until the end; or whether Frank Anguissa really will depart this time, rather than the alarm raised by those around him turning out to be just another smoke signal with no consequences.

So who needs to arrive regardless of sales? A right-sided wide player capable of covering the whole flank, and a centre-back.

For the first role, the profile Napoli find most intriguing is Anan Khalaili, the 2004-born player at Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. In defence, however, their ideas are even clearer. There is one specific name: Mario Gila.

Allegri wants to hand the Spanish centre-back the keys to a defence in which Rafa Marín will also return after his loan spell at Villarreal CF. Two new defenders would therefore come in for one departure: Juan Jesus, whose contract is expiring and who will not be offered a new deal for next season.

Is that too many?

Everything depends on how Napoli intend to play. While Luca Marianucci could go out on loan again, the current squad already includes Alessandro Buongiorno, Amir Rrahmani and Sam Beukema, as well as Marín.

With Gila added to the group, a back four would mean five players competing for two centre-back spots. If the starting point instead becomes a back three, Giovanni Di Lorenzo could also be used on the right side and Mathías Olivera on the left when required. That would make it a more than adequate defensive department for a season involving three competitions.

Such an extra-large defence points towards Napoli moving in the direction of a 3-5-2 or a 3-4-2-1. Unless, after signing Gila and bringing Marín back, the club consider selling one of Beukema or Buongiorno to offset the investment in the former Real Madrid centre-back.

Gila is the first player requested by Allegri for his new era.