Napoli step up chase for Leonardo Pavoletti

Serie A giants Napoli are stepping up their efforts to sign Genoa striker Leonardo Pavoletti, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The Azzurri have decided to recruit a new centre forward after summer signing Arkadiusz Milik picked up a serious injury, and the 27-year-old appears to be their primary target.

Pavoletti is on the radar of other top Italian clubs, but it is believed that Genoa chairman Enrico Preziosi is keen to do business with Napoli.

Nevertheless, the Rossoblu will require a substantial transfer fee for their prized asset, so it remains to be seen whether the two clubs will be able to reach an agreement.

Leonardo Pavoletti has impressed since joining Genoa from Sassuolo, going on to score 23 goals in 44 Serie A appearances.

If they fail to lure the Italy international to Stadio San Paolo in January, Napoli could make a move on one of Simone Zaza or Gregoire Defrel.