The negotiations between Napoli and captain Lorenzo Insigne have completely stalled and patron Aurelio De Laurentiis is reportedly not afraid of losing him on a free transfer next summer.
The Italy winger has a contract at the Stadio Diego Maradona until June 2022 and new coach Luciano Spalletti seems eager to keep Insigne at the club.
But the affair linked to the renewal of Insigne’s contract is of concern for the Napoli fans and will become a hot topic over the next weeks, if not months.
The captain will return to the club after his extended break due to international duties and the meeting with De Laurentiis has not been scheduled yet.
Calciomercato.com reports the signs are not good and that the distance between offer and demand remains great.
Insigne has no intention of lowering his request, according to the outlet, and is not ready to accept a new deal with lower figures than his current salary.
The club is asking the 30-year-old to make an economic sacrifice during the economic difficulties that require drastic cuts financially.
With other clubs lurking in the background, including links with Maurizio Sarri’s new club Lazio, the fans are worried Insigne might be on his way already this summer.
But President De Laurentiis is reportedly not worried about losing the Italy international, as he is determined to hold on and carry on demanding a cut until the end.
Spalletti has tried to put out the fire, but the renewal of Insigne remains a big deal and the rumours of a possible icy front between the club and its captain continues.