Piotr Zielinski to Napoli: Latest Transfer Details, Reaction and More

Napoli have snapped up Udinese midfielder Piotr Zielinski for a reported €16 million.

The Poland international's capture was announced on Thursday via the club's official Twitter feed, with Football Italia translating the statement on their website: "Napoli communicates that it has signed the sporting contract of Piotr Sebastian Zielinski, from Udinese."

Zielinski spent last season on loan at Empoli, where he stood out as one of the best young performers in Serie A, per OptaPaolo:

As ESPN FC's Pete O'Rourke noted, the youngster had been a transfer target for Liverpool this summer.

The 22-year-old is a box-to-box midfielder, capable of helping out his defenders and regaining possession before pushing forward with his exceptional dribbling skills, per WhoScored.com:

His distribution is also strong, as is his ability to create opportunities for his team-mates—he assisted six goals last season.

Squawka shared some of his key stats in Serie A: 

Apps	35
Chances Created	52
Take-Ons	89
Tackles	54
Interceptions	49
Passing Accuracy	82%

Here's a look at what fans can expect from him in the coming years:

The Poland international is technically adept, though his physicality could use some work—he can still find himself outmuscled too easily on occasion.

As he continues his development, that may well improve, and his finishing could be better also—he netted five goals last year but might have scored more had he hit the target more often. Nevertheless, he's a good player with strong potential.

Despite his youth, Zielinski has already garnered plenty of experience in the Italian top flight over the last two seasons and started in all 35 of his outings in 2015-16.

The Partenopei have little problem creating opportunities thanks to the likes of Marek Hamsik and Lorenzo Insigne, but Zielinski will add to their options.

Meanwhile, his defensive work rate will help out the likes of Allan and Jorginho in midfield, adding further solidity to their spine.