Empoli president Fabrizio Corsi insists that the Serie A outfit have no interest in selling Fabiano Parisi in the January transfer window amid interest from Premier League side Leeds United, speaking to Radio Incontro.
Last week, reports suggested that Parisi is valued in the region of just £10 million.
But even if Leeds were to submit an eight-figure offer for the Italy U21 international in the winter, don’t expect Empoli to play ball. Corsi has Serie A survival in his sights, and it would take something very special indeed to twist his arm with the president insisting that each and every offer that comes his way during the January window will be batted away with barely a second thought.
“I have already decided that, in January, there is no chance of selling him,” Corsi says of Parisi, while admitting that Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio have made an approach for the attack-minded left-back.
“Transfer questions about Empoli players make me angry and bother me. I don’t even want to take them into consideration because my job is to protect these guys and Empoli environment.”
Leeds United like Empoli’s Serie A starlet Fabiano Parisi
Corsi’s stance is strengthened by the fact that Parisi, capped six times by his country at Under 21 level, signed a new long-term contract only a couple of weeks ago. His current deal runs until 2025. Furthermore, the player himself is not giving any thought to a departure as things stand; his focus on the task at hand unwavering.
“I am not thinking of the transfer market but of playing well at Empoli,” Parisi said recently; keeping 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.”
Parisi’s agent claims that, in addition to Jesse Marsch’s Leeds, Fiorentina, Nice and Atalanta have also shown an interest. Leeds are also admirers of Philadelphia Union’s set-piece specialist Kai Wagner.
“The tendency is towards a winter transfer,” explains reporter Manuel Veth. “Philadelphia Union are very reluctant to let their star left-back go in the middle of the season (in the summer).
“(But) my understanding is that there has been plenty of talk between all parties all the way up to today. Leeds are still very much in the race.”
Junior Firpo, Leeds’ first-choice left-back, is enduring another injury-hit spell at Elland Road. Wagner or Parisi, should either arrive at some point, would provide some much-needed competition.
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