Napoli have admitted they failed to sign Sampdoria’s Mauro Icardi on transfer deadline day.
The young striker has been in blistering form in the new year, scoring two against Juventus and four in the Blucerchiati’s 6-0 rout against Pescara.
Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis conceded that his club were in talks with Sampdoria but couldn’t reach an agreement in time. He told the Gazzetta dello Sport: “He was already intriguing me a lot before Christmas.”
“Icardi is a favourate of mine.
“Talks with Samp became complicated, but he is of interest to us for the future – but we are also looking at other players too,” he added.
According reports a bid of €12m was offered initially and after being rebuffed, a second bid of €5m was prepared to own 50% of the 19-year-old allowing him to remain at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris until the end of the season.
It is thought that Napoli may try to secure Icardi’s services again in the summer. Juventus, AC Milan and Internazionale are also said to be keeping tabs on the player.
