3 Napoli players Ancelotti should target if made next permanent Arsenal manager

Add as preferred source on Google

Carlo Ancelotti was sacked as manager of Napoli on Tuesday evening, despite recording a Champions League victory over Genk that saw them reach the last 16 (BBC Sport).

The Italian tactician was relieved of his duties following a dismal run of results of late.

Before beating Genk, the club had gone nine games without a win, and they have slipped to seventh in the Serie A table.

Following his dismissal, there have been a flurry of reports about a potential move to Arsenal, who sacked Unai Emery a couple of weeks ago.

There’s no doubt that the Gunners would be hiring a big name in Ancelotti, and there could be a reasonable chance he’d want to raid Napoli for players with the January transfer window only weeks away – but who could he realistically target?

Elseid Hysaj

50-cap Albania international right-back Hysaj could be a good, cost-effective signing for Arsenal, with Hector Bellerin struggling to rediscover his best form.

The other options at this moment in time for Arsenal are Calum Chambers and Ainsley Maitland-Niles, neither of whom are naturals for the position.

Hysaj – under contract until the summer of 2021 – also has the versatility to play at left-back should that ever be a requirement.

Nikola Maksimovic

Realistically, Kalidou Koulibaly is out of Arsenal’s price bracket, and so perhaps Ancelotti would be able to explore a move for his centre-back partner Nikola Maksimovic.

The 6ft 4in colossus would add some much needed height and physical intimidation to the Arsenal backline, and he is also very tidy in possession as evidenced by a pass completion rate of 89.5% in Serie A so far (WhoScored).

The Serbian hardman is dominant in the air and could even bring an attacking threat from set-pieces.

Allan

There’s been talk of Lucas Torreira leaving the club in January, and if that were to happen then Brazilian midfielder Allan should be the first point of call.

The tough-tackling South American is one of Serie A’s best all-round midfield players, and The Daily Mail recently reported he is one of the most likely to leave next month having received some rough treatment from ultras.

The report claimed he could be sold for as little as £30 million.