Turkish rivals Galatasaray and Fenerbahce have reportedly entered the race for Napoli’s Cameroonian midfielder, Frank Anguissa, who is in a long-running contract dispute with the Serie A club.
According to a report by La Gazzetta dello Sport, both Super Lig clubs are closely monitoring the situation. The 29-year-old midfielder's contract negotiations with Napoli have stalled for months, with no agreement yet.
The dispute began after Napoli used a unilateral option to extend Anguissa's contract to June 2027. The move reportedly did not satisfy Anguissa, who was seeking a higher salary.
Napoli had previously set a €30 million ($34.9 million) asking price for the midfielder during the summer transfer window, which prevented a transfer.
This impasse persists even as Napoli manager Antonio Conte reportedly considers Anguissa an "unsellable" player and a "cornerstone" of his project.
With Anguissa's side reportedly considering another departure, both Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are said to be ready to meet the midfielder's salary demands.
The report noted that Turkish clubs are often "very generous" with salaries, aided by a "loose" tax regime.
Fenerbahce's entry into the Anguissa transfer derby follows a recent, dramatic change in club leadership. Sadettin Saran, an entrepreneur in television rights, defeated incumbent Ali Koc in the presidential election.
Before the election, Koc had fired the team's manager, Mourinho, and hired Domenico Tedesco. The election result has signaled a "green light" for a new direction at the club.
Anguissa's potential exit creates another problem for Napoli.
The midfielder is expected to depart in December to play for Cameroon in the Africa Cup of Nations, leaving the team with a shortage in midfield.