Poland International Drifting Away From Napoli – But Inter Milan Haven’t Sealed Deal Just Yet

Napoli and midfielder Piotr Zielinski are drifting apart, but it would be premature to say Inter Milan will sign the Pole.

This according to Italian news outlet FCInterNews.

There is no doubt that time is running out in contract extension talks between Napoli and Zielinski.

The January transfer window has now opened. Therefore, Zielinski would be free to start openly negotiating with other clubs.

There has not yet been a decisive meeting between the Partenopei and the 29-year-old’s representatives, despite predictions that it would arrive.

But Napoli have to act soon.

Zielinski is holding out for wages at least equal to the €4.6 million net per season that he currently earns. And so far, Napoli have not put an offer like that on the table.

So there is perhaps a sense that the former Udinese and Empoli midfielder would like to stay, if Napoli make the right offer.

But that certainly doesn’t seem to be forthcoming.

Moreover, Napoli are starting to move to sign Udinese’s Lazar Samardzic as a replacement for Zielinski.

The signs certainly point to a summer exit for Zielinski when his contract expires.

Napoli & Zielinski Drifting Apart – But He’s Not An Inter Player Yet

If Zielinski were to leave Napoli in the summer, Inter would be the favourites to sign the Polish international on a free transfer.

The Nerazzurri have gotten themselves into by far a stronger position than any other club.

Roma have made an approach. But it is clear that Zielinski prefers a move to Inter.

And any interest that has arrived from the Premier League has not convinced Zielinski.

There are also still Juventus. The Bianconeri could have a “wild card” in the form of ex-Napoli Sporting Director Cristiano Giuntoli’s relationship with Zielinski.

But what seems clear is that, should the 29-year-old leave Napoli, it is very probable he’ll join Inter.

Still, the Partenopei could still turn things around.

The next few days will be decisive in this respect.

Napoli are aiming to settle the matter once and for all before the Supercoppa Italiana later this month.

FCIN note that in the recent past, striker Dries Mertens had been in this sort of situation, with one foot out the door at Napoli. Then Partenopei President Aurelio De Laurentiis met with the Belgian for lunch.

This meeting pushed Mertens in the direction of extending his contract with Napoli.

So there is precedent for De Laurentiis and Napoli to do something similar with Zielinski.

But barring that, it would seem that the path is clear to sign the midfielder.