Serie A: Who could fill Higuain's boots at Napoli?

He was close to being their new Maradona, but now he may turn to Southern Italy’s public enemy

Higuain to Juventus is almost a done deal and Napoli are preparing for the post Higuain era.

Replacing Higuain will not be an easy job. If we take a deeper look at Gonzalo’s 36 goals record we will find some important facts. He was able to score 17 goals to give Napoli the lead when the score was leveled. Another 5 goals were scored by Gonzalo when the Partenopei where one goal down (not taking into account the brace scored against Bologna when they were 3 goals behind).

That means, 22 goals out of the 36 scored by Pipita came when the game was tight and intense. This number says a lot about Higuain’s character and how his team mates trusted him and counted on him in the toughest situations.

Over and above, Higuain is a decent dribbler and is always involved heavily in the buildup of the attack.

Only a handful of strikers are as lethal as Gonzalo Higuain. Even fewer- if any- are open to a transfer.

So, what are Napoli’s realistic options?

1. Carlos Bacca

With Milan missing on European football, Bacca is willing to leave for a champions league side. Milan is willing to sell as well. Given the uncertainty about the club’s anticipated takeover, the Rossoneri will have to sell before they buy.

A perfect poacher. For the third consecutive season, the guy proves he is a clinical finisher. Scoring 18 Serie A goals last season for the suffering A.C. Milan is an achievement, but he doesn’t get involved that much when it comes to building up. You may forget the guy is on the pitch until he gets a chance to score, and most probably he is going to score.

Pros: clinical finisher, affordable (around 30 million euros), willing to move, familiar with Serie A.

Cons: A bit slow, won’t contribute in the buildup for attack.

2. Alexandre Lacazette

A true talent that is ready for the next level. With 21 goals under his name last season and a lot of tricks under his built, he is a very strong candidate. The fact that he has never been tested in Serie A is a bit risky.

Pros: Dribbler, young (25)

Cons: Never tried himself in Serie A.

3. Edinson Cavani

He was not on good terms with Blanc. He wanted to leave but the situation has changed since Ibra and Blanc are not in Paris any more. I still think that he would like to return to san Paolo. The question is, will Paris Saint-German be willing to sell? If yes, I guess he will be a more expensive option compared to Bacca and Lacazette. Yet, the guy is very familiar with Napoli which means it is a zero risk when it comes to adaptation. A killer finisher and a good dribbler.

Pros: Clinical finisher, dribbler, fast, had a success story in Napoli.

Cons: Paris Saint-German will be reluctant to sell.

4. Mauro Icardi

First of all, he is Argentinian, so Napoli fans are ready to love him. At the age of 23, he has a lot of personality issues. If Maurizio Sarri is able and willing to deal with that then Napoli must go for him. Yet, it is a gamble after all. Last season he had a lot of conflicts with Mancini which lead to him being dropped for several games. Earlier this month Icardi expressed his desire to stay with Inter but I guess he can be convinced to move to Napoli.

Pros: young, familiar with Serie A, good dribbler

Cons: Dressing room trouble maker, his agent (who is his wife) is very hard to deal with.

5. Manolo Gabbiadini

Yes, he is already a Napoli player. May be the time has come for Gabbiadini to step up and be Napoli’s main striker. He was expected to have more play time last season but with Higuain’s unexpected form it was impossible. Yet, during the few games he played, Gabbiadini showed what he is capable of. But that doesn’t mean that Napoli are not going to buy another striker. Only the criteria is going to change. If the decision is made to count on Gabbiadini then Napoli will need to buy a backup striker.

Pros: Already a Napoli player

Cons: high risk since he was never a starter for Napoli

The coming few days will be curtail to Napoli’s plan next season. Soon enough we will know whether Napoli will be serious contenders for next season’s scudetto or not.