Manchester United have been keeping an eye on Napoli midfielder Eljif Elmas in recent weeksAccording to a report from Italy. North Macedonian emerged as a potential market opportunity ahead of the summer.
Italian Outlet tuttomerkatoweb The report adds that the Premier League side are one of the clubs monitoring the 26-year-old, who is enjoying a strong season under Antonio Conte at Napoli.
Elmas has become one of the manager's reliable options, even though injuries in the team have forced him to adapt to different roles.
The situation is particularly interesting because of the structure of his current deal. Elmas joined Napoli from RB Leipzig with a purchase option set at €16m (£13.7m), a figure considered relatively low in the current market.
As a result, if Napoli decide to activate it and subsequently move the player, several Premier League clubs could see this situation as a potential opportunity. it was Targeted by West Ham last summerWhen he still played in Germany, but eventually chose the Italian side.
Napoli can still make a profit without their asking price being too high.
Season under Conte
Despite not always playing in his preferred role, Elmas remains a key figure in Conte's rotation. Injuries within the team have often pushed him deeper into midfield rather than the more advanced attacking position for which he was originally signed.
He recently scored his first goal of the season against Torino, ending a long wait to get back on the scoresheet.
Speaking after that match, Elmas admitted that the moment was a relief after a difficult run without a goal.
"I missed scoring a lot and I'm sad that I wasn't able to score. It was a difficult moment for me, and finally after many matches I found it again. I'm happy for the goal, but the most important thing was to win and bring home three points." He said.
The midfielder also praised Conte for the confidence he has shown throughout the campaign.
"I didn't hear what the coach said, thank you. He has always given me confidence and always believed in me. I always tried to give my best and do what he wants. I hope I did well", He reflected.
Role adaptation and Premier League interest
Elmas also admitted that he has had to make tactical adjustments this season, especially when used as a deeper midfielder.
"When you play as a defensive midfielder you also need to defend, not just look for the goal and go forward. Even when you change roles during the match it is difficult, but I am happy that I am doing well", He said.
With his versatility and hopefully reasonable price, it's easy to see why Manchester United and other Premier League clubs may take notice ahead of the summer window.
Napoli's decision on activating the purchase clause from Leipzig will likely be the first step before any potential move materialises.
