Napoli overtake Juventus in race for Nottingham Forest’s Mangala

Napoli are in close contact with Orel Mangala as they work on a deal for the Nottingham Forest midfielder, Gianluca Di Marzio reports.

The Partenopei are working to bolster their squad this month after the disastrous first half of the season, something president Aurelio De Laurentiis apologised for and promised to resolve in the transfer market.

Napoli have already been active in the market, signing winger Cyril Ngonge, full back Pasquale Mazzocchi and forward Hamed Junior Traore, and they’ve shown no signs of slowing down just yet.

As reported by Di Marzio, Napoli have kept in close contact with Mangala and have already presented a salary offer to the midfielder, which is a little below his expectations. He has given his priority to a move to Serie A and the two parties are continuing talks.

Regarding the deal, the Partenopei are working to sign the 25-year-old Belgian on a loan deal with a buy option attached. Failing to activate the clause would then see the Italian side pay a loan fee.

This season, Mangala has scored one goal in 1529 minutes of action across 19 matches for Nottingham Forest.

#Calciomercato | @sscnapoli, proseguono i contatti per #Mangala del @NFFC https://t.co/1k4OcAoGKi

— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) January 20, 2024