Aurelio De Laurentiis confirmed Napoli are on the verge of signing Fabian Ruiz and Stefan Lainer, while Jorginho is close to Manchester City and Marek Hamik asked to leave.
There are multiple reports that the Partenopei are ready to activate the release clause in the contract midfielder Ruiz has with Real Betis, seeing him as a replacement for Manchester City-bound Jorginho.
Now President De Laurentiis has confirmed the news in an interview with the Corriere dello Sport newspaper.
Aurelio De Laurentiis confirmed Napoli are on the verge of signing Fabian Ruiz and Stefan Lainer, while Jorginho is close to Manchester City and Marek Hamik asked to leave.
There are multiple reports that the Partenopei are ready to activate the release clause in the contract midfielder Ruiz has with Real Betis, seeing him as a replacement for Manchester City-bound Jorginho.
Now President De Laurentiis has confirmed the news in an interview with the Corriere dello Sport newspaper.
“We are just waiting for Fabian Ruiz to give the all-clear, which could be at any moment. I won’t deny we met Lainer the other day in Milan and are in the middle of a good chat.”
Austria international Lainer is a right-back for RB Salzburg who can play in a more advanced role in midfield or even in a trident attack.
It’s believed a deal has been done with the Austrian side for circa €10m.
This season, Lainer contributed two goals and 11 assists in 55 competitive games.
“I speak to Carlo Ancelotti every day and he never made demands. He is sure of himself and only when needed will show he can raise an iron fist too. He is a leader.
“We need to sign two goalkeepers, a full-back who knows how to defend, and if Jorginho and Marek Hamsik leave, then two midfielders too.
“We’ve already signed Simone Verdi: you’ll see that with us Simone will be calm and do great things.”
The Hamsik situation is up in the air, as De Laurentiis insists he is waiting for news, while Manchester City continue talks for Jorginho.
“Hamsik had dinner at my house with his agent and they told me I would be contacted by a Chinese club. So far, nobody has called me.
“I have to take precautions, which are indispensable for a club, and find suitable replacements. In any case, Hamsik put himself in this situation, I certainly didn’t push him.
“I spoke to Manchester City directors again on Thursday about Jorginho, but now (director of sport Cristiano) Giuntoli is holding the talks.
“We have to reach an agreement, I gave my indications and took a step towards the English club. In these situations, if one takes a step forward, the other ought to as well. I will say there is a more than concrete possibility we’ll soon reach an agreement.”