Chelsea given Lorenzo Insigne boost with Napoli man ’surprised’ by latest contract offer

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Chelsea target Lorenzo Insigne has been left disappointed with Napoli’s decision to offer him a 50 per cent wage cut, according to the player’s agent. Insigne has spent the majority of his professional career with the Italian heavyweights but faces an uncertain future ahead of the January transfer window, with his current deal set to expire at the end of next season.

He will be able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs at the turn of the year as things stand.

Chelsea have recently been credited with an interest in bringing the forward to Stamford Bridge as Thomas Tuchel looks to strengthen his ranks in the mid-season market.

It has been suggested that Insigne could join the Blues if Napoli fail to meet his salary demands, with the 30-year-old said to be considering the possibility of taking on a fresh challenge.

His current employers are hoping to keep him on their books into next season and beyond and have already entered talks with his representatives over an extension.

However, it seems as though they have failed to make any sort of concrete progress, with Insigne’s future no closer to being resolved as the January transfer window looms large.

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His agent, Vincenzo Pisacane, has admitted that Insigne was shocked by Napoli’s recent decision to offer him a reduced wage, suggesting that a move elsewhere could soon emerge as a real possibility.

“I must clarify that the contract offer comes with a 50 per cent pay cut,” Pisacane told Italian outlet Il Roma.

“I am an agent and I must defend the captain at any time. Usually, you offer more money when you want to extend a contract.

“Lorenzo was surprised [by Napoli’s proposal]. There is mutual respect with [Napoli owner] Aurelio [De Laurentiis] but he knows that the proposal must be increased and not cut.”

It remains to be seen whether Chelsea will be able to tempt Insigne into a change of scenery ahead of next season, with the Blues said to be long-term admirers of the tricky winger.

They have been linked with his services for a number of years but could seemingly decide to act on their interest in a move when January rolls around.

Insigne has enjoyed a fruitful start to the season with Napoli in spite of his current situation, chipping in with five goals and four assists in all competitions.

He also excelled for Italy at Euro 2020 to help the Azzurri register their first continental triumph since 1968 after beating England in the final.

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Insigne recently declared that he is not prepared to let the uncertainty over his future wreak havoc on his performances for Napoli, insisting that he remains fully committed to the job at hand.

“I only think about playing and about what happens on the pitch,” he told reporters in September.

“My agent takes care of the other issues. I always put the team in front, I always work hard and I always arrive with a smile.

“I don’t think about the contract, there’s time to discuss with the club. My agent and the club will take care of it, I still have one year.”

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