Napoli captain Lorenzo Insigne and his agent feel that his current club’s initial offers on an extension have been far too low amid Inter links, but they are still in talks to try and find an agreement.
Speaking to Naples-based newspaper Il Roma in an interview published in today’s print edition, the 30-year-old’s agent Vincenzo Piascante clarified that they still hope to find an agreement but that so far the offers have been nowhere near sufficient.
With Insigne’s current deal set to expire at the end of June 2022, the 30-year-old could leave for free next summer, with Inter one of the most widely reported destinations that is possible.
The Nerazzurri had shown an interest in signing the Partenopei captain during the summer transfer window, but in the end prioritized other attacking targets.
However, they could return for him when he is out of contract and would be able to begin formal talks as soon as January.
No agreement has yet been found between Insigne and his club, who he would like to remain with but who Piascante has stated have not come up with an offer that they consider to be anywhere near what they want.
“I have read a lot of nonsense about our requests on the renewal,” he stated. “Napoli have offered not much more than half of what he earns today though of course we are still staying calm.”
He continued that “Everyone plays their game, but the club must make a step up. Renewal amounts are rising. Just look at the amounts offered for those who signed new contracts before Insigne.”
“It goes without saying that Lorenzo was blown away,” Piascante explained.
He noted that the talks on a renewal continue, stating that “We are always in contact with De Laurentiis. There is mutual respect with Aurelio, but he knows very well that the proposal must be increased and not reduced.”
“We are at the initial stage of the talks and it is normal for everyone to put things out there,” he went on. “He is trying to pass Lorenzo off as someone who is asking for the world.”
“And there are some fans who call him a mercenary,” he said. “All allegations are based in false news that have no basis in reality. I don’t know how the figures come out without knowing the facts.”
Piascante concluded that “I hope the club take a step forward towards agreeing with the player who is a symbol of Napoli.”