Despite fending off Al-Ahli’s opening attempt to lure Piotr Zielinski to Saudi Arabia, reigning Serie A champions Napoli are not out of the woods yet. Fabrizio Romano insists the Saudi Pro League giants have launched an official bid for the Poland international, hoping to close things out at the second bite of the cherry.
Zielinski’s contract at Napoli runs out in less than 12 months. While he remains one of the most significant first-team cogs at the Diego Maradona Stadium, Aurelio De Laurentiis has struggled to tie him down to a new deal. A lack of funds remains an issue, with the Partenopei negotiating to reduce the 29-year-old’s salary.
Since Zielinski isn’t enthusiastic about dropping his relatively modest wages, given today’s market, it’s more likely Napoli will sanction his transfer this summer. De Laurentiis won’t let his prized asset leave south Italy for free in a year, hence the optimism within Al-Ahli’s camp. But it’s worth mentioning the midfielder rebuffed their initial approach last month.
After missing out on a move to Lazio, Zielinski could change his stance on continuing his career in the Middle East. Money isn’t a problem for the loaded Saudis, but the Pole’s hesitation may soon see them run out of patience.
Al-Ahli’s jaw-dropping transfer window has seen Allan Saint-Maximin, Edouard Mendy, Riyad Mahrez, and Roberto Firmo settle in Jeddah. Zielinski would be the icing on the cake. Atletico Madrid’s Marcos Llorente could be their go-to option if they fail to strike a deal with Napoli.
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