Napoli Prepare Move For AFCON Winner As Antonio Conte Continues Midfield Search
Napoli are considering a move for Pape Gueye after the midfielder's heroic strike led Senegal to victory in the AFCON final.
Louis Fargher
Updated on 18 January 2026
Pape Gueye is being monitored by Serie A champions Napoli after a superb performance in the 2026 AFCON final.
Pape Gueye Keen On Serie A Switch
Antonio Conte has extended his search for a new midfielder during the January transfer window, as the Partenopei prepare a move for Villarreal midfielder Papa Gueye.
The Senegalese international is a hot topic after he came to his nation’s rescue during the 2026 AFCON final, as Gueye found the back of the net to clinch the trophy against Morocco.
Gueye was one of the players that decided to walk off the pitch after Morocco were awarded a penalty in the eighth minute of extra-time as Malick Diouf was alleged to have pulled Brahim Diaz down.
After almost 20-minutes, Senegal returned to the pitch and Diaz went on to miss the spot-pick, allowing Gueye to score the winning goal just moments later.
This strike is not the only factor in Napoli’s interest, as the Partenopei are currently dealing with an injury crisis and are hoping to make multiple signings this month.
Gueye has made 13 league appearances for Villarreal during the 2025/26 campaign so far and his performances have caught the eye of several European sides.
Galatasaray have been heavily linked with the 26-year-old, but the Turkish side may miss out as Gueye is reportedly looking for a move to Serie A.
Villarreal signed the Senegalese midfielder for free during the 2024 summer window and the Spanish side have now set a €25million price tag on Gueye’s shoulders.
Napoli have not made an official bid for the 26-year-old, but Antonio Conte is said to be desperate for a new midfielder before the January transfer window comes to an end.
Antonio Conte Desperate For Midfielder
The Serie A champions have endured a torrid time with injuries this season and the center midfield position has been a particularly difficult area so far.
Kevin De Bruyne, Frank Anguissa and Billy Gilmour have been on the sidelines for several weeks and are not expected to return until March.
Conte’s side currently sit third in Serie A and are at risk of losing their title to Inter or AC Milan, as both sides continue to pick up victories this season.
The Rossoneri suffered a major blow during their victory over Lecce on January 18th as Alexis Saelemakers was forced off through injury – while Inter edged past Udinese.
Napoli have targeted multiple midfielders already, however their two main targets appear to be out of reach as Conor Gallagher joined Tottenham and Kobbie Mainoo has found a new lease of life with Manchester United.
The Serie A side are said to be monitoring Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes, but the Brazilian is also being considered by Manchester United.
Louis Fargher
Louis has been an avid soccer enthusiast for multiple years and boasts knowledge across several leagues in Europe - including Serie A. Louis holds a degree in Soccer Journalism and has produced content for multiple clubs in the United Kingdom.
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