Mercato Madness: Napoli Making Moves At Borussia Monchengladbach Midfielder Granit Xhaka

Just a few weeks ago, we heard from Granit Xhaka that he wasn't really too keen on a move to Napoli. Apparently he didn't feel that he'd be getting enough playing time in Naples to justify leaving Borussia Monchengladbach, believing that the presence of Gokhan Inler and Valon Behrami would curtail his development. The whole slew of reasoning seemed odd for reasons we discussed at the time, but then he went and had an awesome World Cup and things seem to have changed.

Now, reports are coming out via good ol' Gianluca Di Marzio that Napoli have met with his agent and had a productive time of it, enough so that they've opened negotiations with Gladbach to secure Xhaka's services. According to Di Marzio, the German club has set a €10 million asking price for the Swiss international, which is an absolute steal for someone of his talent. Why they'd sell for that little is a mystery, as he's young, very good, and has three years left on his contract.

If Gladbach are willing sell for that low a fee, though, Napoli should be all over it. Xhaka is a creative and industrious talent who can play several roles in midfield, and would give Napoli an immense boost in their quality of depth, both now and in the future. He'd also serve to further enhance the roster versatility that Rafa Benitez and Riccardo Bigon seem to be wanting to build this summer, which is only a good thing.

Xhaka is easily worth at least half again as much as Gladbach is asking, and if the club already have a rough agreement with the player in place (which Di Marzio seems to be claiming), they should just write the check right now and get things moving.

It's easy to be a little skeptical as to the veracity of this one given that Xhaka so roundly rejected Napoli just a few weeks ago, but if he is willing to come to Italy now.... get excited, because wow is he good.