Giovanni Simeone joins Napoli on season-long loan

Napoli on loan for the rest of the season from Verona, the two clubs announced on Thursday. The 27-year-old, the son of Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone, is coming off his most prolific season in Serie A after scoring 17 goals for Verona last term.

The deal could become permanent next summer for a fee of 12 million euros ($12.2 million) if certain conditions are met, according to Italian media. "He's someone Napoli needs.

And Napoli is what the player needs. He's a good signing," Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti said last weekend.

Only Ciro Immobile, Dusan Vlahovic and Lautaro Martinez scored more goals in Serie A last season than Simeone, who will provide back-up to Nigeria international Victor Osimhen. Napoli, who lost Lorenzo Insigne and club record scorer Dries Mertens in the close season, are also reportedly close to completing a move for Sassuolo forward Giacomo Raspadori.