Lupoli plots Gunners exit
On-loan Arsenal striker Arturo Lupoli plans to join Serie B club Napoli in the summer, according to a report in Italy.
The 19-year-old Italian, currently at Coca-Cola Championship side Derby, is free to sign a pre-contract as his deal with the Londoners expires this summer and he admits he is tempted by Napoli, who are in the race for promotion to Serie A.
Lupoli told www.gazzetta.it: “I have also had offers from some big Italian Serie A clubs but the fact that at Naples – as well as being near my family – I will have more playing time makes me lean in that direction.”
The teenager revealed he had found it hard to adapt to life in England.
“It’s cold in England,” he said. “I want to come back to Italy but will do things calmly. My Arsenal contract expires in June 2007 and so with the Bosman law I can sign a pre-contract with another club and move in June.
“I think that’s the path I will follow and not an immediate move in January because with Derby I am scoring a lot and the team is second (in the Coca-Cola Championship). I want to play with Derby until June but my dream is to wear the Napoli jersey.”
Lupoli moved to Arsenal from Parma in summer 2004 and went on to score three goals for the north London side, all in the League Cup.
