Goran Pandev; photo: corrieredellosport.it

Goran Pandev wanted by Napoli

Goran Pandev; photo: corrieredellosport.itGoran Pandev continues to be linked with a move to Napoli by Italian newspapers.

Pandev is viewed surplus to requirements at Inter and they are working on including Pandev and cash in an exchange deal to receive Napoli attacker Ezequiel Lavezzi.  Inter is expected to play a 3-4-3 formation this season under new manager Gian Piero Gasperini and Pandev is not viewed as good fit to play winger in Gasperini’s system.  A winger in his system must be quick and track back with defensive responsibilities.  Pandev also faced speculation about a move to Genoa in exchange for quick winger Rodrigo Palacio but Pandev refused the transfer to Genoa.  Pandev is currently third on the depth chart at striker behind Diego Milito and Giampaolo Pazzini but Inter will definitely add at least one more striker before the end of the transfer window with Samuel Eto’o recently completing his move to Russian club Anzhi.

Pandev’s agent, Carlo Pallavicino, continues to insist that Pandev only wants to remain with Inter but things have not gone well over the past year and Pandev continues to be criticized by the Inter fans.  He risks a volatile situation by staying at Inter as he gets booed for a bad touch or pass and even scoring the important goal against Bayern München last year during the Champions League wasn’t enough to get in the good graces of the Inter fans.  They will not accept him no matter what and it would be best for Goran to go to another club where he could regain his confidence and hopefully return to his form during his Lazio days.  He is still just 28 years old but it is clear that things will only get worse by him staying at Inter.

About a month ago, Pandev’s agent did say that Napoli could be acceptable to Goran since they will also play in the Champions League this year.  Even before he signed with Inter in January of 2010, Napoli pursued Pandev as the President of the club, Aurelio De Laurentiis, has always been a fan of Pandev.  The same is true for the Napoli manager Walter Mazzari who is a big believer in Pandev and it would do wonders for Goran to have a coach that believes in him.  Mazzari almost became the Lazio manager several years ago and has spoken highly of Pandev’s abilities as a player in the past during interviews with Italian newspapers.  The stumbling block seems to be Pandev’s salary as he makes around 3 million euros per year and Napoli has a salary structure that they will not pay any player that much money per season.  However, Inter seems willing to pay part of Pandev’s salary so a deal is possible which would enable Napoli winger Ezequiel Lavezzi to go in the other direction.  Napoli would also receive money in addition to Pandev since Lavezzi has a higher price tag than Goran.  Napoli finished 3rd in Serie A last season and as mentioned before, they will participate in this year’s Champions League. 

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