---
title: "Napoli close in on West Ham target Fornals"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2019/01/27/napoli-close-in-on-west-ham-target-fornals/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Oliver Birch"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2019-01-27T18:40:38Z"
modified: "2019-01-27T18:41:13Z"
---

# Napoli close in on West Ham target Fornals

Napoli have identified Villarreal’s Pablo Fornals as one of their main transfer targets during the January transfer window, amid [apparent interest from West Ham](https://readwestham.com/2019/01/24/west-ham-interested-in-villarreal-midfielder-fornals/), according to a report from Italian news outlet [Calciomercato](https://www.calciomercato.com/news/napoli-bloccato-l-erede-di-allan-18208).

The playmaker currently has a release clause in his contract, with the fee believed to be around €30 million, and Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti has identified the Spaniard as a viable option for his side.

Fornals reportedly turned down a move to both West Ham and Premier League strugglers Fulham earlier this season, [according to AS](https://as.com/futbol/2018/11/12/primera/1542019156_986640.html?id_externo_rsoc=comp_tw), and the midfielder is said to be happy at Villarreal despite their struggles in La Liga.

![Denis Doyle/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readwestham.com/readwestham/2019/01/841640802.jpg)

The Spanish side are currently second bottom following Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to Valencia and are three points adrift of safety.

West Ham could be on the lookout for additional quality as the January transfer window draws to a close, but it seems they will need to battle Napoli if they are to recruit Fornals.