Newcastle United made a significant investment in the German only a year ago, paying a fee reported between €75m and €90m including add-ons to sign him as a long-term replacement for Alexander Isak, and tying him to a contract through to 2031.
The move has not gone as planned: Woltemade managed just 11 goals in 51 total appearances during his first season in England, a modest return that limited him to roughly half an hour of action off the bench at this summer's World Cup with Germany. The decision on whether to sanction a loan now rests with Newcastle, who have not yet responded to Napoli's approach.
Sporting director Giovanni Manna continues to work in parallel on a more straightforward alternative in Marc Guiu of Chelsea, a deal Napoli consider more realistic to complete before the market closes.
The two clubs have already reached an understanding with the player, but final approval from Chelsea — who value the 20-year-old at around €25m and want a resale clause included — is still pending. Napoli's decision on which route to pursue will likely hinge on Newcastle's response over Woltemade in the coming days.
Coach Max Allegri addressed his squad's needs and the club's early-season form in an interview with DAZN, singling out Rasmus Højlund as a player with room to keep improving.
"I think he has significant room for improvement, especially in front of goal, where he needs to find a bit more calm and composure in his finishing. He's a player who works hard for the team and still has plenty of time ahead of him to improve," Allegri said.
The Italian also reflected on settling into life in Naples.
"Naples is a passionate city, one that lives for Napoli. We have to bring great professional seriousness and above all great enthusiasm if we want to bring results home," he said, before praising the club's latest arrivals.
"Favasuli and Badiashile have arrived, one young and the other with international experience. They're integrating into an already strong group," Allegri said of Costantino Favasuli and Benoît Badiashile, two contrasting additions he expects to settle quickly into the squad's existing structure.