Manna: "We tried for Gila, Milan was quick." Also discusses Gasperini

Napoli sporting director Manna reveals the club attempted to sign Gila but Milan moved faster, and discusses failed moves for Badiashile and Lukaku.

Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna has opened up about the club's transfer strategy in a podcast interview, revealing several behind-the-scenes details from recent windows.

Manna confirmed Napoli tried to sign defender Gila early in the transfer window but Milan beat them to it. "The situation was tempting, as they say. Milan was quick and efficient, they satisfied everyone," he explained.

On centre-back Badiashile, Manna praised his qualities: "He had the characteristics we were looking for — physical presence, technical ability, pace. He was a huge talent when Chelsea bought him, had a couple of difficult years, but you have to take risks, especially when you can't make a certain type of investment."

Regarding Lukaku, Manna detailed the complexities: "We gave him a three-year contract. It was a complicated agreement with Chelsea because they had a much higher residual value than the transfer fee. We thought: 'Let's do three years and then he goes on a free.' But things never go as expected. He had a significant salary for us, especially since we'd invested to replace him with Hojlund, and that sale didn't work out either. In a market where it was hard to find a buyer, we were fortunate." Manna wished Lukaku well, noting he won a Serie A title with Napoli.