Bayern Munich: Arturo Vidal could join Carlo Ancelotti at Napoli
Chilean warrior Arturo Vidal could be set for a move from Bayern Munich to Napoli to again play under Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti.
During Carlo Ancelotti’s year-and-a-half long reign at Bayern Munich, Arturo Vidal was one of his best and most important players. The Chilean — often played alongside Xabi Alonso and/or Thiago in defensive midfield — was a mainstay of the Italian’s squad.
There wasn’t a whole lot Ancelotti did right at Bayern, but there were a few players he was able to help play at their best. Vidal was one of them. So it’s no surprise, then, that he is rumored to be reuniting with his former coach.
Just yesterday, Carlo Ancelotti was officially unveiled as the new coach of Italian club Napoli. Carlito replaces tactical genius Maurizio Sarri at the club, who finished second behind Juventus in Serie A this season.
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According to CalcioMercato, one of Ancelotti’s first orders of business is to bring Bayern’s box-to-box midfielder to his new club.
Arturo Vidal joining his former boss at Napoli actually makes a lot of sense. The Chilean has been earmarked for a potential exit from Bavaria for quite some time now. With Leon Goretzka joining die Roten this summer, Renato Sanches returning from loan and Corentin Tolisso developing into a real star on his own right, competition for places in Bayern’s already crowded midfield is only getting thicker.
Make no mistake, Vidal is still a fantastic player, one of the best in the world at what he does. However, he just turned 31 and perhaps only has one or two years left in the game. With his contract expiring this time next year, it only makes sense for the Bavarians to cash in on him if an appropriate offer comes their way.
It also makes sense that Vidal would be keen on a move to Napoli over other reportedly interested Premier League clubs. His familiarity with Carlo Ancelotti is only one factor in that. Vidal has already spent a significant portion of his career in Italy, a place he recently referred to as “home.” The player clearly has a desire to return to Serie A.
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Bayern Munich should not only consider selling Vidal to the Italians, but really push for a deal to go through. Whatever funds they receive for the Chilean could then be put toward reinforcements in attack or defense, both areas where Bayern could use a little bit of help.