On December 18th, Elseid Hysaj’s agent Mario Giuffredi confirmed Maurizio Sarri wanted the Napoli defender at Chelsea in the summer, but a gentleman’s agreement between the two clubs stopped the Blues from signing the Albanian international.
Rai Sport journalist Ciro Venerato appeared on TV Luna, where he was asked about the 24-year-old’s situation at Stadio San Paolo and Calcio Napoli 24 have published a report, which includes his comments.
He claims the Premier League outfit’s manager had called the fullback’s representative to understand his client’s contract situation with his current employer and this annoyed Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis.
The Chelsea coach believes his side could face a transfer ban, it’s explained, which is why he wants to spend heavily in January and has identified the need to strengthen the right side of defence since he does not trust Davide Zappacosta.
For this reason, Sarri wants his employer to sign Hysaj next month.
Venerato mentions the FA Cup winners are ready to sign Hysaj for little more than half of his €55m release clause and loan him back to Napoli until the end of the season.
However, the Serie A side’s sporting director, Cristiano Giuntoli has refused this proposal because he has no plans to let the player leave.
It will be interesting to see how things develop regarding Chelsea’s interest in Sarri’s former player because to extend his contract at Napoli, he is demanding €3m per season, but the latter are willing to give him €1.8-€2m rising to €2.5m with bonuses.
