Two players due in for medicals ahead of transfers

As the opening of the transfer window approaches, Napoli will soon be able to make good on two of the worst-kept secrets in Italian football. Both Manolo Gabbiadini and Ivan Strinic are ready to complete their respective transfers to the club, and both are reportedly making their way to the Castel Volturno for Monday morning medicals.

Gabbiadini will be coming in from Sampdoria to add depth to Napoli's front line. His ability to play on the left wing will help fill the hole left by the injured Lorenzo Insigne, and his versatility will be a huge factor off the bench, which has been lacking much of a dynamic attacking presence thanks to injuries. His transfer will reportedly cost Napoli €11 million up front with €2 million in potential add-ons; the fee will be split between Sampdoria and Juventus thanks to the joys of co-ownership, which unquestionably made the deal significantly more expensive than it would have been normally.

Strinic will arrive on a free transfer from Ukrainian side Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk thanks to his contract expiring at the end of this month. The Croatian international left back will be able to make an immediate impact as Faouzi Ghoulam will soon be departing to AFCON duties with Algeria, leaving a gaping hole at the position. Strinic is talented enough to more than adequately fill in while Ghoulam is gone, and even stands a chance at supplanting the Algerian while he's away.

Provided nothing concerning pops up in the medicals, which for these two players should just be a formality, Napoli will kick off the transfer window with two very, very good signings. While there's still another spot or two to fill (centerbackcenterbackcenterbackcenterback), this is an excellent start and both players should be able to do a lot to help Napoli over the next few years.

Now then, let's get them cleared, signed, and move on to the next!