The agent of Napoli defender Elseid Hysaj has claimed the Albanian was a wanted man in West-London, during the summer of 2018.
Mario Guiffredi, who represents the 25-year-old, told Radio Punto Nuovo (via Daily Mail), that The Blues tabled a bid of €50m (£43m) for the Albania international. He said:
“A year-and-a-half ago, Napoli could have taken €50m from Chelsea”.
Hysaj is yet to commit to a new deal at Napoli, with his current contract expiring at the end of the season. A free-transfer could be tempting for Chelsea, but in all honesty looks unlikely, as The Blues are well equipped in that position.
Frank Lampard has shown belief in his young charges this season. One such youngster is Reece James. The 19-year-old has impressed recently, and is looking increasingly likely to make himself first-choice. Chelsea’s regular starting right-back is Cesar Azpilicueta. The Spaniard is also the club captain.
Losing the Albanian would be a huge loss for Napoli. Club president Aurelio De Laurentiis is a hard man to negotiate with, as The Blues found out with the acquisitions of former boss Maurizio Sarri, and midfield dynamo Jorginho.
There’s a good chance the Italian would favour an opportunity to cash in, in January, but even if Chelsea were still interested, they have the issue of a transfer embargo that runs till next summer’s window. An appeal is set to be heard next Wednesday, with many claiming Chelsea could spend £150m, should the ban be overturned.
Blue is the colour
