Mercato Madness: Napoli closing on deal for Christoph Kramer?

According to our dear old rumor mongering friend Gianluca Di Marzio, Napoli appear to be closing in on a deal for German international Cristoph Kramer. We reported that there was interest in the Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder over the weekend, but now Di Marzio is indicating that Kramer has signed off on a potential deal already.

Kramer, who was knocked out of the World Cup final with a head injury and does not remember the match, has become a rising star in Germany over the past year. The 23 year old is a talented midfielder who plays best in a box-to-box role, but can do a job in a more defensive stance as well. He seems an excellent fit for a Napoli side that seems to be aching to improve its versatility this summer, as well as giving them a nice boost to their quality of depth.

It was reported over the weekend that Gladbach want €15 million for Kramer, a valuation that Napoli have yet to meet. Di Marzio reports that the clubs are still talking, and while the value of Napoli's initial bid isn't known, his report seems optimistic that the two sides will reach an accord.

As far as how he fits in with what Napoli seem to be doing this summer, it looks to be well in line with what we've seen so far. Young? Check. Talented with more potential to be tapped? Check. Lots of first team experience? Check. Fills a hole and gives Rafa options? Check. Not stupidly expensive? Check. Good hair? Check, check, check.

If Napoli can get this deal done, they'll be getting their hands on a very nice little player. If he has the Joachim Low seal of approval, you know you're getting a good one. What will also be interesting to see is how, if at all, this would affect a potential deal for Granit Xhaka, who Napoli have also been working with Gladbach to try and get. If Napoli can get both players on top of their current haul and make one or two other additions, this could go down as a special summer.