Micheli’s Napoli Rolodex: Three names Arsenal could nick — including Serie A’s MVP

Arsenal are poised to tap into Maurizio Micheli’s eye for a bargain, and that should perk up ears in north London. The Napoli talent-spotter has a CV that speaks for itself — think Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Kim Min-jae and Kalidou Koulibaly — and if he does pitch up at London Colney, don’t be shocked if he gives his old address book a quick dial.

Lorenzo Lucca — the towering Plan B up front

If Mikel Arteta wants a proper handful at centre-forward, Lorenzo Lucca ticks a lot of boxes. The Italian moved to Napoli in the summer and hasn’t quite nailed down a starting berth yet, but he bagged 12 Serie A goals for Udinese last season and looks every inch a late-game difference-maker. With Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus both sidelined at the moment — and Jesus even linked with a winter move — Lucca could be a smart rotation option. If Arsenal land a marquee No 9 such as Viktor Gyökeres, Lucca profiles neatly as the understudy who bullies centre-halves, attacks crosses and gives Arteta a more direct out ball when Plan A gets clogged.

Luca Marianucci — the long-game centre-half

Arsenal’s back line thrives on versatility and composure, and Luca Marianucci fits that brief. The 20-year-old broke into Empoli’s first team before switching to Napoli in the summer — a deal Micheli helped drive — and he looks a tidy long-term project. He’s comfortable stepping into midfield, happy on the turn, and would give Arteta another young defender to mould alongside the established core. Not one for instant fireworks, but exactly the sort of developmental signing that keeps a title-chasing squad fresh over a long season.

Scott McTominay — a wildcard with MVP credentials

Here’s the curveball: Scott McTominay. The former Manchester United midfielder has taken Italy by storm, winning Serie A’s MVP last season and rattling in 17 goals in 50 outings from midfield. That’s serious end product from the engine room. He’d bring legs, late runs and a goal threat to dovetail with Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard, while counting as homegrown thanks to his United grounding before 21. Is it the likeliest deal? Perhaps not, given age profile and price. But if you want impact now, McTominay would move the needle on day one.

There isn’t a bottomless well to draw from at Napoli this window, but Micheli’s knowledge of the market — and of these players’ characters — is precisely why Arsenal want him. If the Gunners get this appointment right, it could be their savviest signing of the season. For more insight, odds movement and market angles surrounding potential arrivals, check our guide to the best betting sites and keep an eye on how the prices shift if any of these names gather momentum.