Antonio Conte considers Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo to be “non-transferable” despite links to Inter Milan and Juventus.
Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, via FCInterNews, report that the incoming Napoli coach wants Di Lorenzo to be a cornerstone of his project – despite his desire to leave the club.
Napoli captain Di Lorenzo wants to leave the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
That is not only speculation or a rumour. The player’s agent has confirmed as much.
The reason for the rift between Di Lorenzo and Napoli appears to be the player having the sense that his club do not have faith in him.
Even though the 30-year-old has been captain of the Partenopei for the past two years, the club President Aurelio De Laurentiis would be willing to sell him.
Therefore, the Napoli captain appears to have made up his mind. He wants to move on to a different club.
And there would be no lack of interest in Di Lorenzo’s signature this summer.
Reportedly, Inter see the 30-year-old as a prospective target if Denzel Dumfries leaves.
And then both of Juventus and Roma are also linked with a move for Di Lorenzo now that he looks to be available.
Antonio Conte Wants To Keep Giovanni Di Lorenzo At Napoli Despite Inter & Juventus Links
But in the background of the situation concerning Di Lorenzo at Napoli, there is another high-profile situation.
The Campanian club look to be appointing a new coach.
Antonio Conte looks to be ready to sign his contract to become the Partenopei’s new coach.
The 54-year-old has won league titles with the likes of Juventus, Chelsea, and Inter. He has also taken Italy to a EURO semifinal.
And now, Conte looks set to take over as Napoli coach.
As part of the negotiations, the former Nerazzurri coach is making his demands regarding the squad that he will have at his disposal.
And one of these demands, reports Sky, is that Di Lorenzo stay.
Naturally, the player’s decision will also play a role.
But for Conte, keeping Di Lorenzo in the squad is a priority. He sees the Italian international as a leader and a player he can build his new team around.
Therefore, the 54-year-old is pushing to not sell Di Lorenzo this summer.