Napoli join race for Beukema as Bologna hike price for Chelsea and Inter target | OneFootball

Napoli have reportedly joined the list of Sam Beukema’s admirers but will need to meet Bologna’s high asking price if they want to secure the centre-back next summer.

The Dutch defender was just one of many players scouted by Rossoblu’s technical director Giovanni Sartori, who pushed the club into negotiations with AZ Alkmaar in the summer of 2023, leading them to sign him for just €8m.

However, Beukema has developed into one of Serie A’s finest centre-backs during his two seasons at the Stadio Dall’Ara, with coaches Thiago Motta and Vincenzo Italiano helping him hone his positioning and ball-playing abilities.

Dan Ndoye of Bologna (R) celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates Sam Beukema (L) and Benjamin Dominguez the Serie A match between Bologna and Torino at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 14, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Napoli enter Beukema race as Bologna set €30m price tag

The 26-year-old’s rise hasn’t gone unnoticed, with clubs like Chelsea, Inter, and Juventus all placing him on their radar, prompting Bologna to increase their demands in light of the growing interest.

Tuttomercatoweb reported that Beukema is one of the defenders Napoli are monitoring for next season, but their only way to tempt the Rossoblu will be meeting their price tag, which is said to be at least €30m.

BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 04: Mateo Retegui of Atalanta BC competes for the ball with Sam Beukema of Bologna FC during the Coppa Italia, Quarter Final match between Atalanta BC and Bologna FC at Gewiss Stadium on February 04, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The Partenopei are keen to identify their transfer targets well ahead of the summer window to gain an edge over the competition and ease Antonio Conte’s increasingly frustrated mood.

Reports suggest the manager is unhappy with the lack of a replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, a situation that could push him to force his exit from the club at the end of the season.