Cristiano Giuntoli’s best Napoli signings amid reported interest from Tottenham Hotspur

The Napoli supremo has guided the club from Serie A outcasts to Champions League regulars and is now reportedly receiving interest from Tottenham Hotspur, Cristiano Giuntoli has been billed as the unsung hero for Napoli’s resurgence to the summit of Italian football.


Last week, Gli Azzurri were confirmed as Serie A champions for the first time since 1990 - sparking wild scenes across the city. But for Giuntoli, this was the completion of a task eight years in the making.


The 51-year-old arrived at Napoli in 2015, helping the club transform from nearly men to title winners. Now, reports on the continent are linking him with a Tottenham Hotspur move.


Daniel Levy is on the hunt for a new sporting director after Fabio Paratici’s resignation last month. Appointing Giuntoli would be regarded as a coup considering Napoli’s meteoric rise - and shrewd transfer dealings - in recent years.


Here football.london profile some of the Italian’s best signings at the Naples outfit, some of whom may be tempted to reunite with Giuntoli if he does make the move to north London.


Piotr Zielinski


Zielinski arrived for a modest €16million seven years ago after an already-established career in Italy. Since joining Napoli, however, he has developed into one of the country’s best midfielders.


Almost 350 appearances has made him a cult hero at the club - and repaid his price tag tenfold. Over 80 international caps for Poland at 28 years old is also some accomplishment.


Hirving Lozano


A tricky winger with pace to burn, Lozano has wowed the Naples crowd since he arrived from PSV Eindhoven in 2019. While discipline issues have been an issue, the 27-year-old remains an integral part of the squad.


Like Zielinski, Lozano is also a key player for his country, with 17 goals in 64 games for Mexico.


Giovanni Di Lorenzo


A full-back capable of also playing at centre-back and in midfield, it did not take long for Di Lorenzo to establish himself as club captain. The Italian will be known to English football fans, playing the entire 120 minutes of the Euro 2020 final against the Three Lions.


Wing-back has been an area of nuisance for Spurs in recent years, with Conte unable to find his preferred pair. Perhaps Giuntoli could unearth the next long-serving pair to dominate the flanks in a Tottenham shirt?


Victor Osimhen


This man needs little introduction. By far the most expensive player on the list, Osimhen joined from Lille for a club record €70million.


However, that has certainly proven to be money well spent as the Nigerian has scored goals in abundance. Osimhen has fired 23 goals - the most in Serie A - to inspire Napoli to the title and attract interest from Manchester United and Chelsea.


Kim Min-jae


It is scary to think that the bullish centre-back was playing in China when he was 24 - just two years ago. Napoli took a punt on the South Korean after selling Kalidou Koulibaly… and have not looked back.


Min-jae is now regarded as one of Europe’s best defenders and was instrumental in the league win. Reports have claimed the 6ft 4in defender has a £45million release clause this summer.


Khvicha Kvaratskhelia


Alongside Min-jae, Kvaratskhelia moving to Naples last year and propelled the squad from pretenders to contenders. At just 22, the Georgian’s potential is frightening.


The £10million paid to Dinamo Batumi has likely quintupled, with Newcastle United linked at the turn of the year. Kvaratskhelia is proof Giuntoli has an eye for unearthing a hidden gem.

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