Former Liverpool and Chelsea boss Benitez is a long-term admirer of the England international and was interested in signing him when he was in charge at both Anfield and Stamford Bridge.
Napoli expect to lose star striker Edinson Cavani to either Chelsea, Manchester City or Real Madrid this summer and sources in Italy insist Benitez will use that cash to test Arsene Wenger’s resolve to keep Walcott by tabling bid of around £23m for the former Southampton winger.
Benitez has been backed by Napoli’s owners in his efforts to sign Walcott and club president Aurelio De Laurentiis said: ‘We require another right sided second striker.
‘We are closing in on someone in this area, but I can’t say anything more in order to avoid the asking price going up.’
Walcott scored 21 goals in 43 appearances for Arsenal last season and the Gunners will be reluctant to allow him to leave unless the buyers pay considerably more than their valuation.
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