Napoli are currently ahead of several Premier League clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, and Arsenal, in the race to sign Lecce’s young defender Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, as per a source
Reports from Calcio Lecce suggest that the Italian club is demanding at least €30 million for the 19-year-old left-back during this summer transfer window.
Despite his age, Dorgu has caught the eye with his performances in Serie A, scoring two goals and creating three big chances in 17 starts last season.
Dorgu joined Lecce in 2022 from FC Nordsjælland, a club known for nurturing young talent through its ‘Right to Dream Academy’. With three years left on his contract, Lecce is in no hurry to sell the promising defender.
Tottenham, although not in desperate need of a left-back, are interested in Dorgu for his potential. Spurs have had success with previous left-back signings from Serie A, namely Destiny Udogie who arrived from Udinese last season.
However, unless Lecce lower their asking price, Tottenham might prioritize strengthening other positions, especially with the need to improve their starting XI rather than just adding depth to their squad.
Arsenal are also keen on Dorgu, valued at €30 million. However, with Arsenal close to signing Ricardo Calafiori and already having several options on the left, they might pull out of the race for Dorgu.
Chelsea are in the market for a left-back, but not urgently. The Blues might need to sell either Ben Chilwell or Marc Cucurella to make room for Dorgu. Although Chelsea’s sporting directors are open to these sales, there has been little interest from other clubs so far.
Dorgu, who has made six appearances for Denmark’s U21 team since debuting last year, is also eligible to represent Nigeria through his parents.
Olaitan Ibrahim