Aurelio De Laurentiis hailed the fact that Napoli already completed multiple deals in short order. The Partenopei have signed Mathias Olivera from Getafe, bought out Franck-André Zambo Anguissa from Fulham, extended Juan Jesus’ contract, and should announce the arrival of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia soon.
“Four deals in five days. We are not sitting on our hands over here.”
The chairman held a presser to present their pre-season camp and was asked about Kalidou Koulibaly and Dries Mertens’ future (via Ansa).
“The problems are often approached with sentiment rather than reason. There are family and agents involved too, plus some interests that clubs can not deal with unless they wish to bleed out. We have to course correct considering that Milan spent €40M less than us on wages. I respect the duo, but it depends on whether money is the only thing they are after or if they consider living in Naples and in philosophically different situation a privilege.”
De Laurentiis confirmed that Napoli are in talks with Federico Bernardeschi.
“I have negotiated with him personally. I spoke with his agent in Monte Carlo three weeks ago. However, I am discussing with the coach too because we have to sign players that fit the system. We will see. Instead, we have not had contacts with Matias Vecino and Edinson Cavani, as they are too old.”
The chairman weighed in on David Ospina and Fabian Ruiz.
“The contract of the goalkeeper has expired. I met him, talked with him and then he left. He is with his national team and has not given me his answer. The agents of the midfielder will let me know what they are planning in two weeks. I do not want to push away anybody, but we will not break the bank to retain players.”