Football Italia reported on 24 October that Napoli had identified Donyell Malen as a target in the previous January transfer window, but the move did not become a formal negotiation before his switch to Roma. Football Italia also said Napoli were held back by restrictions on their transfer activity during the winter window.
Interest in the January window
According to Il Mattino, via TuttoMercatoWeb, Napoli identified Malen as a target in the previous January transfer window. According to Il Mattino, via TuttoMercatoWeb, the interest in Malen never turned into a formal negotiation.
Malen's Roma move
Roma signed Malen from Aston Villa on a loan with a €2m fee and a €25m option to buy.
Malen's season numbers
Malen has 6 Serie A goals this season. Football Italia said Malen is second only to the league's top scorers Varela and Raimondo. He also scored twice in the 4-3 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid.
Napoli's forward line
Rasmus Højlund has managed just 2 goals in 7 league games since joining Napoli. Massimiliano Allegri said on Friday that he isn't concerned about Højlund's tally as long as the team wins. Football Italia said Napoli were due to play Roma on 24 October.