Napoli reach agreement for ex-Chelsea star as Osimhen's exit looms

Napoli have reportedly reached an agreement with Brighton & Hove Albion for the transfer of holding midfielder Billy Gilmour. 

The 23-year-old Cobhmas graduate joined the Seagulls on a permanent deal in the summer of 2022. He struggled to establish himself immediately be soon settled in. 

He started in Brighton's win over Manchester United in the Premier League this season, but will not be available for Fabian Hurzeler’s selection anymore this season, as his services have now been acquired by Antonio Conte’s Napoli. 

The 2022/23 Scudetto champions have shopped almost exclusively from the Premier League this summer transfer window. On deadline day, they completed the signing of another ex-Chelsea player, Gilmour, after signing Romelu Lukaku earlier in the window. 

Conte must have been aware of Gilmour’s qualities from his time as Chelsea manager, and the young Scotsman was highly touted in his academy days. He would have also seen him up close, as a senior team player, during his stint as Tottenham's manager. 

The Italian impressed on the club to strengthen their midfield, and Gilmour is one such response from the club. And they made the announcement of his acquisition just before the end of the transfer window. Along with Lukaku and Scott's McTominay, Gilmour is the third player the Partenopei signed from the Premier League this recently concluded transfer window. 

Meanwhile, Lukaku has been handed the number 9 jersey at Napoli after the club stripped Victor Osimhen of the number following his failed exit.