Napoli interested in Bayern Munich midfielder as Jorginho replacement

Napoli manager Carlo Ancelotti wants to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Javi Martinez as Jorginho’s replacement, claims Gianluca Di Marzio.

Jorginho completed his sensational £50m move to Chelsea on Saturday and Napoli are on the market for his replacement despite already signing Fabian Ruiz from Real Betis.

Ancelotti is interested in raiding former club Bayern to reunite with Martinez but it remains to be seen where there is room to pull off a deal for the Spain international.

Martinez became the most expensive transfer in Bayern’s history after joining from Athletic Club in a £31.6m deal in 2012 but has never really been considered one of their best players during that time.

The 29-year-old has suffered with reoccurring injuries during his time at Bayern, only starting more than 20 league matches in a single campaign on one occasion.

Martinez was restricted to just 22 appearances in the Bundesliga last season and eventually missed out on a spot in Spain’s 2018 World Cup squad.

Bayern have won marginally more matches in the Bundesliga that Martinez has started since making his debut in 2012 (83%) compared to when he has not featured from the off (77.6%).