Antonio Conte reportedly wants Serie A champions Napoli to replace Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa with 20-year-old Manchester United whizkid Kobbie Mainoo next year.

According to a report by Italian outlet Calciomercato, Kobbie Mainoo is the subject of interest from Napoli. The Serie A champions are keen on bolstering their first-team squad by signing a versatile midfielder next year. So, the 20-year-old Manchester United whizkid has emerged as a target for the Partenopei.

Antonio Conte is the driving force behind Napoli’s possible move for the Englishman, as he views the young midfielder as a long-term replacement for Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, and particularly when he departs for the Africa Cup of Nations. So, a winter move for the Manchester United midfield prospect is on the cards.

Kobbie Mainoo and his frustrating situation

Kobbie Mainoo has been one of the world’s best young midfielders since breaking into the first-team squad at Manchester United. However, the 20-year-old has gone from being a pivotal figure under Erik ten Hag to a backup option for Ruben Amorim, having been in and out of the starting lineup since the Portuguese tactician took over at Old Trafford nearly 12 months ago.

The English international has managed only 203 minutes of game time in six appearances thus far in the 2025/26 season. The situation may have reached a tipping point due to Mainoo’s frustrations, and it has piqued the attention of several high-profile clubs. Napoli will be among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the winter transfer window.

Serie A move on the horizon?

Napoli wanted to sign Kobbie Mainoo from Manchester United in the summer transfer window, but the deal failed to materialise. The continued interest makes sense, as Antonio Conte wants more options in the middle of the park to sustain a challenge on all fronts, even though he has a stacked midfield unit at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

Additionally, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa will embark for the Africa Cup of Nations with Cameroon in a few months. So, the Serie A champions have set their sights on Mainoo, and they are closely monitoring his situation at Manchester United. Antonio Conte is the driving force behind Napoli’s move for the 20-year-old Englishman.

However, widespread reports have suggested that Manchester United’s stance on Mainoo has not changed. The Red Devils are keen on keeping the English international at Old Trafford for the long haul, and Napoli will face a tall order to land the young midfielder in the coming weeks.