Arsenal target likely to favour a return to Italy this summer.
Napoli are reportedly on the verge of completing deals for QPR goalkeeper Julio Cesar and Internacional striker Leandro Damiao.
Having already signed ‘keeper Rafael from Santos, club owner Aurelio De Laurentiis is looking to continue his Brazilian-themed recruitment drive this summer with a double swoop by the end of next week.
Despite suffering the disappointment of relegation from the Premier League last season, Cesar was instrumental in Brazil’s triumph in the Confederations Cup last month, with interest increasing in the 33-year-old.
It is understood that the former Inter stopper will return from his holiday on Monday and make his decision, with Arsenal also said to be interested in signing him.
Nevertheless, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport talks with Napoli have gone well thus far and it is expected that he will give the green light to a switch back to Serie A where he spent his most successful years in his career to date.
Meanwhile, the Damiao deal is a little more complicated with the absence of an agreement over the striker’s price-tag.
It is believed that Internacional are looking for a fee close to €22m plus bonuses, although Napoli have already agreed on personal terms and are hoping to see his valuation reduced slightly.
With Edinson Cavani set to be unveiled by PSG in the coming days, De Laurentiis is keen to bolster Rafa Benitez’s options ahead of the new season.
The Partenopei have already signed Real Madrid’s Jose Callejon, and it would appear that they have targeted Damiao as the ideal replacement for their prolific Uruguayan striker.
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