Maxime Gonalons’ prospective move from Lyon to Napoli looks in doubt, as Aurelio De Laurentiis says he no longer speaks to Jean-Michel Aulas.
Maxime Gonalons’ prospective move from Lyon to Napoli looks in doubt, as Aurelio De Laurentiis says he no longer speaks to Jean-Michel Aulas.
The two clubs had negotiated a deal for the defensive midfielder’s transfer to the San Paolo during the winter transfer window, only for Lyon President Aulas to pull the plug, accused by De Laurentiis of upping the asking price for the 25-year-old.
Whilst speculation heading into the summer transfer window was of the Partenopei returning to the negotiating table, their President has made clear he has yet to resolve his differences with his French counterpart.
“Aulas has sent me a text message, but I do not speak with him anymore,” De Laurentiis has told reporters today in Rome.
“Gonalons has to be carried to me on a silver platter. I do not speak with Aulas anymore, we had talked ad nauseam last winter.
“If he wants to sell then he must do so on our terms, otherwise the player remains where he is.
“Also, because his agent remains a supporter of Aulas and has interests in the club.”
Reports are that Tottenham Hotspur’s Sandro is an alternative transfer target.
“There have been so many names in the past few days, but nobody really knows who we are aiming for, except for me, Benitez and Bigon.
“We need a midfielder and a second striker, having already signed a central defender [Kalidou Koulibaly].
“Then we have to see if there will be any sales, because if there are significant departures, major players will be brought in.”
De Laurentiis also discussed a possible move this summer for Barcelona’s Javier Mascherano.