According to reports from Foot Mercato, Italian giants SSC Napoli have officially stepped forward in the race to sign Andy Diouf, the 22-year-old midfielder currently at RC Lens.
Diouf, who joined Lens in 2023 from Basel for €14 million, has been on the radar of several top clubs this summer. Bundesliga sides RB Leipzig and VfB Stuttgart are keeping close tabs, while Premier League club Crystal Palace are also reportedly interested.
But omo, Napoli don’t come here to play — they’ve already sent a contract offer to the French midfielder and are expected to make direct contact with Lens in the coming days.
Bad Timing for Lens
For Lens, this transfer talk couldn’t come at a worse time. Les Sang et Or begin their Ligue 1 campaign on Sunday against Olympique Lyonnais at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis, and losing Diouf now would destabilize their midfield options.
Remember, they already waved goodbye to Neil El-Aynaoui earlier this summer, leaving them short of depth in the middle of the park. Omo this one painful — because Diouf is their third-most expensive signing in club history, and the club had been banking on him finally unlocking his potential this season after two underwhelming years.
The Transfer Battle Ahead
For Diouf, this interest is a huge chance to revive his career. Napoli see him as a promising project to strengthen their midfield, while Leipzig and Stuttgart could give him Bundesliga exposure. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are hoping the lure of the Premier League can swing things in their favor.
But one thing is certain — if Lens are going to let him go, it won’t be cheap. The French side will only accept a convincing offer, especially given how key this season is shaping up for them.
Omo, transfer window no dey dull — this Andy Diouf saga fit still turn into one of the hottest midfield battles of the summer.
