Empoli want around £8 million for Italy U21 international Fabiano Parisi with the left-back’s agent admitting that Premier League outfit Leeds United have shown an interest, as reported by La Lazio Siamo Noi.
Pascal Struijk, to give him his due, has done a more than respectable job for the most part; filling in on the left due to the injury-enforced absences of Junior Firpo and Stuart Dallas. A long-term solution, however, he most certainly is not.
Many a Leeds supporter has been clamouring for some genuine competition on the left for quite a while now. And Parisi, one of Serie A’s breakthrough stars over the last 12 months ago, would certainly provide that.
“I consider him a great team player. He (could leave) in January or (next) summer,” explains Mario Giuffredi, Parisi’s agent, when talking to Tuttomercatoweb.
“He’s (a player) of the highest standards. He can aspire to important goals. We had many clubs (showing an interest); from Atalanta to Torino to Fiorentina, Leeds and Nice.
“In agreement with Empoli, we decided to wait.”
Will Leeds United sign Empoli defender Fabiano Parisi in January?
Parisi only extended his contract a couple of weeks ago. But it seems unlikely in the extreme that he will remain an Empoli player until 2025. Especially if reports suggesting Gli Azzurri would consider selling for around £8 or £10 million are on the money.
La Lazio Siamo Noi add that, in addition to Leeds and co, Juventus and, as you might have guessed given the name of said publication, Lazio have also thrown their respective hats into the ring.
“I am not thinking of the transfer market but of playing well at Empoli,” Parisi said recently, attempting to keep the speculation at arms’ length as he focuses on maintaining his current rate of progress.
“(Empoli) is the ideal club for young people. They allow you to grow without pressure and allow you to make mistakes.
“The other big goal is to join the national team. I hope (Italy coach Roberto) Mancini will give me a look.”
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