Piotr Zielinski confirmed that ‘negotiations are ongoing’ with Napoli regarding a new contract and spoke openly about the interest from Saudi Arabia in the summer.
The 29-year-old Polish midfielder, who played an important role in the team’s Scudetto success under Luciano Spalletti last term, was heavily linked with a move to Al-Ahli in the summer, receiving a lucrative offer worth around €14-15m net per season.
Zielinski did not make the move and stayed with Napoli, entering the last year of his contract in the Campania capital. Talks regarding a new deal have been ongoing since the summer, but no agreement has been reached yet.
Speaking to TVP Sport via TMW ahead of Poland’s Euro 2024 qualifier with the Czech Republic, Zielinski was first asked about a possible contract renewal with Napoli.
“Negotiations are ongoing. As I have already said, my agent takes care of all this. I certainly don’t rule out that my contract could be extended, but I think everyone will find out in due time and I’m focused on giving my best in the Napoli shirt, as I have done so far.”
The 29-year-old Polish midfielder also confirmed that he was close to making a move to Saudi Arabia in the summer.
“It’s true, but I decided to achieve something more here in Europe, like playing in the Champions League. And I decided that it wasn’t time to chase money yet. I’m not complaining.
“Money isn’t everything. I know that maybe in the future there will be such an advantageous offer and I will take advantage of it, but for now I decided that it would be better to continue my career in Europe.”
This season, Zielinski has scored three goals and provided three assists across 16 appearances in Serie A and the Champions League.