Lorenzo Insigne is representing a complex puzzle for Napoli as Cristiano Giuntoli works to renew the contract of the Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool target, per Tuttosport.
Napoli Sporting Director Giuntoli is working to extend Insigne’s time at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, with the Euro 2020 winner’s current contract set to expire in 2022.
Neither Insigne nor Napoli would like negotiations to drag on to the point he can agree pre-contracts with other clubs. That prospect is only five-months away, but is considered a drastic solution to the two parties’ current impasse.
Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham will all be paying close attention to Insigne’s situation at Napoli. Il Mattino claim the north London rivals and Chelsea want to sign the Italy star. While Fabio Santini understands Jurgen Klopp is also rivalling Atletico Madrid for a deal.
Insigne has now boosted their pursuits, as well, by complicating discussions with Napoli by demanding a €6m-a-year (£98.5k-p/w) contract. He was previously chasing €5m-a-year (£82k-p/w), per Santini, which was already out of Giuntoli’s range.
Tuttosport add that the Serie A side are still refusing to offer Insigne anything more than €3.5m (£57.5k-p/w) annually. It is their set position in negotiations, as Santini also claimed, as Giuntoli has to work around the economic crisis.
Reports by Corriere dello Sport note Napoli must make a sacrifice in the summer transfer window to balance the books. The Naples outfit need around €100m (£85.5m) through player sales, meaning they cannot also offer Insigne the terms he requests.
Insigne boosts Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool hopes with latest Napoli request
Insigne requesting a £98.5k-per-week contract at Napoli will boost Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool’s hopes of a transfer. While the sum is miles out of Giuntoli’s reach, it should be easy for one of the three Premier League big-hitters to put on the table this summer.
Arsenal actually pay Said Kolasinac more, and are looking to sell the £100k-p/w left-back for just £3.5m, per Calciomercato. While 12 players earn in excess of six-figure salaries each week at Liverpool, including Joel Matip, per Spotrac figures.
If Napoli cannot raise their needed funds soon, their dire situation will become even more appealing to Premier League vultures. All snapping at the chance to sign Insigne, and jump at the chance to offer terms that are more than reasonable for a player of his quality.
Insigne posed a constant threat at Euro 2020 this summer despite only ending the tournament with two goals. The 30-year-old also scored 19 times and offered seven assists in the Serie A last season, for a career-best return for goals in the Italian top-flight.
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