Napoli has begun preparations for the upcoming summer transfer window, aiming to enhance their midfield depth.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Neapolitan club has initiated initial discussions with Benfica regarding the potential acquisition of Richard Rios.
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The Colombian international has become a key target for Napoli’s management, with sporting director Giovanni Manna notably holding the 25-year-old in high regard. Rios ranks prominently on the club’s wish list for the forthcoming season. This interest also reflects renewed attention from Serie A, as AS Roma was previously linked with the midfielder before he made his move to the Portuguese side last summer.
Napoli’s proactive strategy indicates a desire to sidestep the competition that led to the Giallorossi’s unsuccessful pursuit of Rios in the past. Since joining Benfica, Rios has continued to showcase his talent, and his profile aligns well with the tactical needs of Napoli as they aim to secure consistent participation in European competitions.
As such, the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining if these preliminary talks can progress into formal negotiations. With Manna leading the charge, Napoli is clearly focused on securing their key targets early to strengthen the squad for the 2026/27 season.
Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN