Henrique Pompeo, agent of Porto striker Jackson Martinez, has revealed that his client would be proud to play for Napoli if given the chance.
The 27-year-old talent has been heavily linked to a number of European giants including Chelsea and Arsenal ahead of the summer transfer window, though his agent insists that a move to the Partenopei would suit the Colombian international best and confirms that he’d be open to negotiations if the Serie A side were seriously interested in him.
Pompeo spoke to ‘Si Gonfia la Rete’ on Radio Crc about his client’s current transfer situation and stated that his client would favour a move to Napoli over any other clubs.
“I saw Napoli face Porto in the Europa League, I was there with the team,” said the agent.
“Did I have the opportunity to speak with the Azzurri executives? No, it’s not up to me to have to search for them. It’s the Azzurri leadership that should take the first step.
“His €40 million clause? We can work on this clause. Though, I must say that I’m not at all happy with what the papers have been saying regarding other people speaking for my player.
“I must tell everyone that I, Henrique Pompeo, am the only agent of Jackson Martinez and all of the others are liars.
“If Napoli are interested in Jackson Martinez, then I would be honoured to speak with them, but they must only speak to me or Peppino Tirri, who is my only other point of contact in Italy.
“The first thing to understand is whether or not Napoli are really interested in the player, and if it were so, then it would be an honour to speak with them.
“Roma are interested in Martinez as well? It’s true. I’ll see what the best destination would be, and not in economic terms, but for the future of my client.
“Coming to Naples would be more of a satisfaction, Martinez would be honoured to wear that shirt.
“His current contract with Porto expires in 2016, which means he has two more years left, but you shouldn’t necessarily wait for the expiration. You can do something about it before.
“Again, he would be proud to play in Naples, but it is now up to them to take the first step.
“[Gonzalo] Higuain and Martinez? These are two very smart players and [Napoli coach Rafa] Benitez would surely use them together.
“With this pair, Napoli would be very strong in attack. However, what I think is unimportant.
“Would the president of Porto be willing to sell his star? This isn’t something to worry about, I’ll speak to [Jorge Nuno] Pinto da Costa.”
