Italian striker Manolo Gabbiadini got very close to joining Everton during the last summer window, an intermediary has revealed.
According to rumours from that time, the Toffees would have paid around €25m for the Napoli player, but the deal never happened, and now we know why.
Intermediary Vincenzo Morabito has given an interview to ‘Si Gonfia La Rete’ show on CRC Radio (via Ultime Calcio Napoli), in which he said the transfer was all but done. The problem was that club owner Aurelio De Laurentiis stopped the deal because he wanted more money for a replacement.
“It’s a big shame to see him like that, now the company must decide for themselves. I brought an important offer, he was being sold, period. I worked with his agent to take him to Everton, De Laurentiis blocked us because he wanted more money and Zaza would never come.”
The intermediary also left the door opened for a future transfer, but says he has no more information for now.
“Gabbiadini in England and Bacca or Pavoletti at Napoli would be a good thing. I don’t know what will happen with Gabbiadini, Pagliari will decide along with the boy and Napoli. Then may they call me to act as an intermediary, I have no idea today.”
Gabbiadini is not living a dream season in Italy. He has only two goals in eleven appearances, with Napoli currently in fifth place in Serie A.
