Chelsea target Lorenzo Insigne is understood to be nearing his exit from the Napoli camp after being left disappointed by a 50 per cent wage cut offer.
The Italy international is one name that has been on the radar at Stamford Bridge with Insigne’s stay in the Napoli shirt due to expire at the end of the season.
Thomas Tuchel has been keeping close tabs on the winger’s situation with the Chelsea boss on the lookout for reinforcements in attack after a double injury blow for his side with Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner on the sidelines.
Both Chelsea strikers are due for a lengthy spell on the sidelines which might force Tuchel to scout for replacements in the build-up to the forthcoming January transfer window and Insigne is rumoured to be eyed up by the German.
Speaking to the Italian news outlet Il Roma ( via The Daily Express), Insigne’s agent Vincenzo Pisacane has admitted that his client has been left shocked by Napoli’s offer for a wage cut amid the talks for a new deal.
“I must clarify that the contract offer comes with a 50 per cent pay cut.”
“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.”