Napoli sporting director Riccardo Bigon has revealed that the Italian side no longer see Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Maxime Gonalons as a priority for the summer transfer window.
The 25-year-old was heavily linked with a move to the Partenopei during this season’s January transfer window and he was thought to be one of the Serie A team’s main targets for the summer after previous negotiations fell apart, though Bigon admits that the club has less need for him now due to the arrival of Jorginho from Hellas Verona.
Bigon spoke to Sky Sport Italia 24 about Napoli’s situation with Gonalons, while also commenting on the future of captain Marek Hamsik, who has struggled with both form and injury throughout the campaign.
“I’m sorry that Hamsik isn’t going to be at the World Cup, but at least now we can have him ready for summer training,” said the Azzurri executive.
“His future? Every season there are whispers of putting him on the market, but we go forward with confidence in [Rafa] Benitez because he forms the squad and Marek has a part in his plans and knows his intentions.
“Our market will be in the usual Napoli style, we will improve the squad while respecting the rules of financial fair play.
“Gonalons? The midfielder isn’t a priority now that we have Jorginho, there is less urgency. He was a priority in January, now there is something else, perhaps, to follow.”
