After missing out on the Serie A striker last summer, Stoke City will once again look to go for Napoli’s Manolo Gabbiadini coming January. The striker has failed to carry on Higuaín’s legacy after the Argentine’s big money move to Juventus and the Potters, who have struggled to find goals from their forwards, could sign Gabbiadini to get rid of their profligacy in front of goal.
Stoke had a 19-million-pound bid for the Italian rejected last summer as Gabbiadini decided to stay at Naples and own the number 9 position. But, things have gone south for the striker as he managed to score only once in 11 appearances in the league so far.
Although Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri has stated that his only thoughts are getting Manolo Gabbiadini back on the scoresheet rather than cashing in on him next month, it is highly unlikely that the striker will decide to stay as Italian media reports that that the 24-year-old has many suitors waiting to pounce this January.
Many Premier league clubs, including the likes of West Ham and Everton, are alerted by the situation. West Ham United could be a potential destination though as Napoli boss Sarri is an admirer of West Ham flop Simone Zaza and the clubs could agree to an exchange.
In Gabbiadini, Stoke will find a versatile player, as he can play anywhere in the attacking third. His work rate has also been lauded by many and his link up play is impressive too, which makes him so effective as a centre-forward as well as on the wings.
The former Atalanta, Juventus and Sampdoria forward joined Napoli in January 2015 and since then has managed 20 goals from 61 games despite playing second fiddle to Higuaín at first and then to Arkadiusz Milik.
The Potters already have a host of options for the forward role, which includes, Wilfred Bony, Bojan Krkic, Peter Crouch, Diouf and more, but they have had to rely a lot on midfielders Xherdan Shaqiri and Joe Allen to get goals this season.
Stoke currently sit 9th in the league and some good performances could possibly see them playing in the Europa league. Hughes will be needing add squad depth if they are to challenge for the fifth and sixth position this season and Gabbiadini could be the perfect option.
