Napoli are on the verge of signing AC Milan forward Noah Okafor, with the Swiss international emerging as a late alternative should the club fail to land Allan Saint-Maximin, Soccernet.football understands.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Serie A leaders have reached an agreement with Okafor’s representatives and are prepared to finalize the deal if their pursuit of Saint-Maximin collapses.
The Fenerbahce winger, currently on loan from Al-Ahli, remains Napoli’s primary target, but negotiations have yet to yield a breakthrough.
Okafor, 23, was close to joining RB Leipzig earlier this month, even traveling to Germany for a medical. However, the move broke down due to late economic disagreements between the clubs. Despite Milan’s stance that he is not an indispensable player, they now face a crucial decision on whether to strengthen a direct league rival.
Since arriving from RB Salzburg for €14 million in the summer of 2023, Okafor has struggled for consistent minutes at Milan. He has started just 23% of their Serie A matches this season and last found the net in August, scoring a 95th-minute equalizer against Torino.
Meanwhile, Milan are already planning for Okafor’s departure. Chelsea’s João Félix has been identified as an ideal replacement, with agent Jorge Mendes working to facilitate a move.
Born in Switzerland to Nigerian parents, Okafor had the opportunity to represent the Super Eagles but opted for Switzerland. He progressed through the Swiss youth ranks before making his senior debut in 2019 against England.
His most notable international moment came in November 2021, when he scored in a World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria, helping Switzerland secure automatic qualification for Qatar 2022.