Although it meant losing one of their star defenders midway in the season, Sunderland now look to go all guns blazing to bolster the one department the side has been very much poor, the attack. The Black Cats have managed to score only 20 times so far, this season, which is the joint second lowest in the league after Middlesbrough (18).
Except for the heroics of veteran Jermain Defoe up front, who has been in blistering form for his side scoring 12 times in 22 games so far, Moyes has found none of his players playing at that level. Although the likes of Adnan Januzaj and Fabio Borini have come into the team late following their injuries, they haven’t been quite as sharp as they were expected to be.
And to Moyes’ dismay, the only other striker apart from Defoe, Victor Anichebe, is now out for 10 weeks with a knee ligament damage. Replacing him is quintessential for the club at the moment and as per reports, the Black Cats are planning to land Napoli forward Manolo Gabbiadini before the transfer window closes.
Sunderland have been linked with numerous players this month but their financial disability and poor league position have prevented any players from coming to the Stadium of Light. The only player brought to the squad has been 34-year-old Joleon Lescott, who was a free agent. Now with just a dew days remaining in the window, Moyes will hope Gabbiadini becomes the second player to join the Black Cats.
The 25-year-old has had a terrible season at Naples so far and the club are willing to offload the forward if the right offer comes. Gabbiadini has managed to score just three goals in only seven starts in Serie A. He has mostly been used as a substitute so far.
After the big money departure of Gonzalo Higuaín last summer to Juventus, Gabbiadini has the chance to prove his mettle at the club. And with the injury to their new recruit, Milik, early in the season had pretty much set the stage for him. But the striker has managed to score only 6 goals in 19 appearances for Napoli in all competitions.
His versatility could be a big asset for Moyes. He can play anywhere in the attacking third and could really turn out to be a clinical finisher if nurtured well.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Southampton are said to have already tabled an offer worth up to £17m for the six-cap Italy international. Although many Premier League clubs like Southampton, Stoke City, West Ham United, Everton and even Tottenham have been said to be keeping tabs on him, Sunderland will reportedly match the bid.
Gabbiadini joined Napoli from Sampdoria for over £10m in the summer of 2015 and Sunderland’s initial bid more or less compensates for it. However, the only concern surrounding the deal would be his willingness to come to a relegation threatened side from a team that has qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League.
