Napoli will reportedly switch their attention to hijacking Arsenal’s pursuit of Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin if they miss out on Liverpool’s Lucas Leiva.
According to Italian source Il Mattino, the Serie A outfit are growing frustrated at their failure to agree a fee with the Reds, despite already having agreed personal terms with the Brazil international this week.
Lucas is awaiting news on the potential reunion with ex-Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez, in the knowledge that his representatives have already thrashed out contract details during negotiations in Rome.
With Napoli keen to take the 27-year-old on loan with a view to a permanent move but the Merseyside giants holding out for an up-front transfer fee, a move for Schneiderlin is now on the cards, the report claims.
A source close to Arsenal told Football Express News the France international is one of several targets identified to add strength to a midfield comprising of mostly attack-minded players.
And an insider at rivals Tottenham Hotspur informed FEN they are also considering a bid for Schneiderlin.
Napoli’s first choice remains Lucas, who has been with Liverpool since the summer of 2007, when Benitez signed him from Gremio.
He penned a long-term deal last year but will be allowed to leave if his club’s valuation is met.