Report: Napoli close to signing Manolas for €34M, Diawara going to Roma
Napoli's backline is about to receive a major boost.
Roma reached an agreement to sell Greek defender Kostas Manolas to Napoli for €34 million plus €2 million in add-ons, according to the Guardian's Fabrizio Romano.
Manolas has reportedly put pen to paper on a contract that will see him earn €4.5 million a year.
The 28-year-old started 28 matches during a disappointing season for a Roma side that finished sixth, and will now form a partnership with Kalidou Koulibaly in the heart of Napoli's backline.
Meanwhile, Roma will reportedly acquire midfielder Amadou Diawara from Napoli after agreeing to pay an €18-million fee plus €2 million in add-ons, Romano adds.
Diawara's inclusion, according to Football Italia, comes after Napoli were hesitant to pay the €36-million release clause in Manolas' contract at Roma. While the reported deals will likely appear to be two separate transfers, Manolas and Diawara are essentially being swapped.
Diawara, 21, joined Napoli in 2016 and only managed to appear in 13 league matches last season.