Antonio Conte

Serbian Keeper Prioritises Serie A Stay

Napoli have re-emerged as frontrunners in the pursuit of Torino goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, according to Football Italiawho report that Leeds United’s interest remains, but the Serbian international is holding out for a move to Naples.

After a quiet period regarding the 27-year-old’s future, Napoli have returned to the scene and are now gathering details about a potential deal. Milinkovic-Savic, who has been a standout performer for Torino, is available for €19 million to Serie A clubs this summer. That figure has clearly piqued Napoli’s interest, especially with the potential sale of Victor Osimhen still in play.

Player Prefers Move to Naples

Leeds United are still pressing hard to bring Milinkovic-Savic to Elland Road, but the player’s mind seems made up. As Football Italia reported, “Leeds are also still in the mix and continue to push for the Serbian’s arrival, but the player himself would prefer to hold off and wait, as he prefers a move to Napoli and is confident that Antonio Conte’s side will make a move before the end of the transfer window.”

This says everything about where the player sees his next chapter. Despite interest from the Championship side, Milinkovic-Savic clearly sees Napoli, under the stewardship of Antonio Conte, as a more attractive prospect in terms of competitive football and immediate success.

Napoli’s Transfer Dominoes

Napoli’s pursuit of Milinkovic-Savic hinges, in part, on the expected sale of Victor Osimhen. The striker could fetch upwards of €75 million, which would allow Napoli to reinforce multiple areas of their squad. Milinkovic-Savic is likely to be one of the reinforcements, even though Alex Meret remains the club’s current number one.

Interestingly, there appears to be no resistance from Meret regarding potential competition. As Football Italia notes, “Meret is aware of the situation with Milinkovic-Savic, and it is understood that there is no problem from his camp. The two are expected to compete for starting opportunities at the Stadio Maradona.”

That level of professionalism and openness from Meret’s side could ease Milinkovic-Savic’s integration and make it a healthy battle for the gloves.

Leeds Await Outcome as Window Ticks On

As of now, Leeds United must sit tight. Their ambition to land Milinkovic-Savic is admirable, but in football, player preference plays a pivotal role. With Napoli now stepping up and the goalkeeper willing to wait, it may be a case of what might have been for the Yorkshire club unless something changes drastically.

This saga is far from over, but the scales have tipped in favour of the southern Italian giants.

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For Leeds, this development is frustrating, but not unfamiliar. The club is trying to attract a top-tier goalkeeper in Milinkovic-Savic, someone with presence and experience at both domestic and international levels. For a team looking to stabilise and fight for promotion back to the Premier League, such ambition should be applauded.

However, it’s no secret that the allure of Serie A and the prospect of playing under Antonio Conte in Naples presents a bigger immediate platform. “He prefers a move to Napoli” is the line that likely stings the most for Leeds fans, because it’s not about lack of interest from the club, but rather a matter of timing and stature.

The club must now look at alternatives quickly. With pre-season in full swing and goalkeeping options limited, it’s vital that Leeds don’t get bogged down in a transfer that’s slowly drifting out of reach. The club should not allow itself to be second choice, and the pursuit of someone fully committed to the project is now more important than ever.

Fans will hope that Leeds have other irons in the fire. If Milinkovic-Savic does end up at Napoli, it will be no disgrace, but it will leave another reminder of how difficult life outside the top flight can be when competing for premium talent.