Japan international Ko Itakura’s agent confirms the Borussia Monchengladbach defender will reject Al-Nassr because ‘Napoli are near to signing’ him.
The centre-back was mentioned as one of the candidates to replace Kim Min-jae, who has effectively completed his transfer to Bayern Munich for the €50m release clause.
He probably will not be the only addition to the defence, but it certainly seems to be an imminent move to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
A source close to Itakura was quoted as saying they had an offer from Al-Nasr on the table, but it was Napoli who were “near” to signing the 26-year-old.
President Aurelio De Laurentiis realised with Kim Min-jae the importance of having a player from South Korea to boost their brand in Asia, so the next logical step would be a Japan international to plug into that lucrative market.
Having already played for FC Groningen, Schalke 04 and Manchester City before his €5m sale to Borussia Monchengladbach last summer, Itakura’s asking price is expected to be around €12m.