The saga at Naples is nowhere near its end.
Now club president is willing to sell his star players.
Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis is ready to sell several senior stars over his lockdown row with the squad. Napoli’s players refused to return to lockdown after their Champions League draw with Salzburg last week, which has led to threats to fines and even the potential dismissal of coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The Partenopei are in full-blown crisis mode after no wins in their last five games, exacerbated by the squad’s refusal to go on a punitive training camp. Now the club is reportedly planning a mass exodus, which could start with star Dries Mertens.
Gazzetta dello Sport says that Dries Mertens is one of the names that will be allowed to leave the club in January, with Inter Milan keen to take on the want-away Belgian. It is reported that the 32-year-old Belgian forward is not close to reaching an agreement with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis for a contract renewal, with his leadership of the squad’s protest about the training retreat pushing a potential deal even further away.
Furthermore, the report adds, Mertens is a good friend of Inter striker Romelu Lukaku, who may convince him to join and help the Nerazzurri keep up the pressure on the Bianconeri in the race for the league title. Furthermore, Corriere dello Sport confirmed this, but added that the Belgian, in fact, already agreed to join the Nerazzurri, but as a free agent next summer when his contract with Napoli expires.
It would be a two-year contract with option for a third, worth €6 million per season, including various bonuses.
Winger Jose Callejon is also reportedly being shown the exit and has attracted interest from China, who would be able to offer the Spaniard a lucrative deal. Club captain Lorenzo Insigne could also leave next summer while star defender Kalidou Koulibaly, a long-term target for Manchester United, may be cashed in on,
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- Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti upset with officials for late send off against Atalanta
- Season over for Napoli defender Kevin Malcuit after ACL tear
