Chelsea have been given a boost in their pursuit of Marek Hamsik, as the Slovakian has told Napoli he wants to leave, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
The midfielder has been with Napoli since 2007, overtaking Diego Maradona as their all-time leading scorer in that time, but is reportedly now ready for pastures new.
Chelsea has been suggested as a potential destination for the 30-year-old, although a move to China is perhaps more likely.
Hamsik is valued at around €30m, and has two years left on his contract at the Stadio San Paolo.
Hamsik’s former Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri has been linked with taking over from Antonio Conte at Stamford Bridge, which could increase the chances of a deal for the Blues.
However, Chinese side Shandong Luneng have reportedly made an offer for Hamsik, which he told Sport24 he was “tempted by.”
Chelsea star Pedro hails Blues managerial target as a “great manager”
Chelsea forward Pedro has praised Fulham manager Slaviša Jokanović, amid talk of the Serbian boss being linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge.
Sky Sports claim that Chelsea are admirers of the recently promoted Premier League manager, with the uncertainty over Antonio Conte’s future still ongoing.
When asked be Spanish radio station Cadena Ser about his club’s managerial situation and his own personal situation, Pedro hailed the “great manager”. Pedro said:
We know there might be some changes, we’re awaiting. We know that he (Slaviša Jokanović) is a great manager.
Many names have been mentioned and he is one of them. If a new manager comes, we’ll try to work in the best way possible.
Pedro, who joined the Blues from Barcelona in 2015, says he is keen to remain with the London outfit, having won the Premier League title and the FA Cup in the last two years. Pedro continued:
Obviously I have a contract at Chelsea and most likely I will stay. I’m good here.
I’m very comfortable with my team-mates and, in football terms I’m very happy for having won the Premier League and the FA Cup in three years. I’m happy because it’s always difficult to win trophies in England.
I’m enjoying my holidays right now, getting some rest and spending time with family, and then start the new season in the best way.