Transfer Rumors: Manchester City Crowds Arsenal In Race For Napoli Midfielder

KEY POINTS

Manchester City is determined to get Piotr Zielinski from SSC Napoli
The high asking fee of Gli Azzurri may scorn Arsenal's chase for Zielinski
Club manager Pep Guardiola shows insistence on acquiring Zielinski

Arsenal is targeting Piotr Zielinski of Napoli, but it appears they are in for some competition.

Like most who are keeping tabs with Euro 2020, the performance of the 27-year-old player has not escaped the eye of Pep Guardiola and Manchester City.

Thanks to his impressive performance for Poland at Euro 2020, Zielinski is now being eyed by the Sky Blues according to a report from Tuttosport.

But taking a look at his performance during the 2020-21 season for Napoli, Zielinski already had an impressive stint. He netted 10 goals aside from 13 assists with Gli Azzurri.

Zielinski still has three years left in his current deal with SSC Napoli, but the club is allegedly open to a sale this summer.

Originally valued at £58 million ($80 million) in 2018, there is no question that Gli Azzurri will be seeking a higher price tag for the footballer.

Known to be tough negotiators, it may all boil down to who among Arsenal, Manchester City, or other interested clubs can meet their asking price.

But what is clear is that Napoli will not release Zielinski without making a huge profit.

Having handled negotiations well to land prized players in the transfer market, getting the Polish player to the Etihad Stadium may yet be another masterstroke for the Sky Blues.

Also, it was mentioned earlier on that Guardiola wants him badly on the Manchester City roster.

This further pressures team management to pull off an ingenious stroke as the club prepares for the UEFA Champions League next season.

Piotr Zielinski of Poland Getty Images | Aitor Alcalde - UEFA/UEFA

Zielinski has the experience and skills that could meet the Champions League standards, giving the Sky Blues even more reason to go all out and pry him for Napoli’s grasps.

If they do succeed, it would be another big blow to Arsenal.

The Gunners have had prospects scorned before them although the case of Zielinski is a bit different.

With a likely steep fee needed to get him to the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal may yet fall short again of landing another potential target.