:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48568173/GettyImages-495999016.0.jpg)
Despite a belief that Napoli wouldn't be making and purchases this month that can't help the first team right away, it looks like their first signing of the January transfer window is exactly that. According to the sporting director for Lega Pro side Carrarese, Napoli and his team have agreed on terms for the transfer of midfielder Eddy Gnahore, who Napoli will apparently then loan to Carpi for the remainder of the season.
Gnahore, 22, is a French-born midfielder of Ivorian descent. He was once a standout in the academy systems for Manchester City and Birmingham City in England before Birmingham's financial woes forced them to cut him loose two years ago. He latched on with Carrarese as a place to get plenty of playing time to hone his craft after several trials and training stints in France, and he's been a regular in their starting lineup ever since.
Described as a high-motor midfielder with excellent attacking instincts but the ability to help his side when they're out of possession, Gnahore is a bit of a project, but not one without potential. He's helped lead Carrarese to a fourth-place standing in their Lega Pro group after finishing in 12th last season, and has scored four goals with two assists in 43 league matches since joining them last season. While he's probably not going to be a star for a good Serie A team, he certainly has all the makings of a player who can play a valuable role, and that's certainly worth something to a team like Napoli with high aspirations but lacking a power-club budget.
Financial terms of the deal are currently unknown, but certainly would be modest at the most. Gnahore is reportedly due in Naples for a medical on Friday to finalize his transfer. Presumably we'll know more around that time, as well as get a confirmation on Napoli's intention to loan him to Carpi, a team that could definitely use more attacking depth in midfield. That experience will be immensely valuable for Gnahore's development, as well as Napoli's ability to more fully evaluate him and determine their future plans for the youngster.