Tonelli is Napoli’s second choice if Rugani won’t join
Trouble is, Rugani’s loan with Empoli ended and the 21-year-old went back to Juventus, while the Tuscans have rejected all the offers for Tonelli as they have already sold the strong right back Elseid Hysaj.
Even if Rugani is not playing on a regular basis at Juventus, the Serie A title holders don’t
want to sell one of their best prospects to a Scudetto rivals.
That’s why Sarri is reported to have pounced on Tonelli to strengthen Napoli’s defensive line in January.
According to Sky Sport Italy, the 25-year-old has no intension to renews his contract expiring in 2017. This means that the relegation candidates would only have two transfer windows available (the January’s and the next summer’s) to cash in on their best central defender, before losing him as a free agent.
Sampdoria is also reported to be interested in Tonelli’s services, while Lazio could join the race for the product of Empoli academy as the Biancocelesti most affordable central defender Stefan De Vrij has been ruled out for season.
