Napoli may have to come up with a better offer for Internacional striker Leandro Damiao, as the club’s president is currently refusing to lower the player’s price.
The Partenopei are looking to the 23-year-old as a possible replacement for Edinson Cavani, who is seemingly close to signing with Paris Saint-Germain, but president Giovanni Luigi is being stubborn when it comes to negotiations.
Luigi spoke to the Corriere dello Sport and was adamant about Napoli having to pay no less than his asking price of €25 million for the player.
“Is Leandro Damiao on the market? Well, in life everything has its price,” said the chief.
“We received an offer from Napoli, it’s true, but not directly. Damiao’s manager Vinicius Prates told us they are prepared to invest €18m.
“However, that is not enough and we do not intend to give discounts. Our player is worth €25m, not a penny less, and if Napoli want him then he’s going to cost €25m. We’re here and ready to talk.”
It’s been speculated that the Azzurri have already agreed to sign Damiao to a five-year contract worth €2.5m per season, with a chance for the forward to earn extra based on good performances.
According to Sky Sport Italia, representatives from Naples have flown to Brazil in hopes of reaching an agreement with Internacional regarding the Brazilian’s price.
The Italian side will also be looking to transfer the player’s management rights from his South American sponsors to a European group.
