After Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain’s agent revealed the level of discontent in their camp, Paris Saint-Germain have looked to take full advantage.
The Argentine international topped the goalscoring charts in Serie A last season with 36 goals in 35 league appearances for the Partenopei.
However, it wasn’t enough to dethrone Juventus, who came roaring back after a poor start to the campaign to claim their fifth consecutive Scudetto.
Nicolas Higuain, brother and agent to Gonzalo, revealed his frustration with the situation in Naples currently in an interview on Tuesday, detailing why they won’t agree to a contract extension with the club.
“There was talk of a project worthy of the Champions League, a convincing plan to fight for the Scudetto,” he said on Radio Crc.
“This year we finished the first half of the season in first place, but the club made zero effort because we didn’t see them make major signings to fight for the Scudetto.
“The President [Aurelio De Laurentiis] has the right to ask for his [€94m] release clause, and we have the right not to agree with the project and not renew the contract, that’s only right.
“If an offer comes in? It all depends on De Laurentiis, he’d have to accept it. We’re convinced not to renew the contract, then we’ll see if the President accepts an offer lower than the clause.
“I’ve never spoken with other clubs about Gonzalo as a matter of respect. I’ve been in Argentina for a month, but I’ve also been in Paris because I have other French clients and friends in football.
“Now people see me everywhere, they even said I was with [Liverpool manager Jurgen] Klopp but there’s no truth in that.
“I don’t need to talk with the Parisian club about my brother, if PSG want him they should call De Laurentiis.”
It appears as though PSG were listening, as according to reports in Italy, they are ready to make their move after appointing Unai Emery as their new coach on Tuesday.
The Spaniard will want to stamp his mark on the squad left behind by Laurent Blanc, while there is also the factor of having to replace Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Having signed the likes of Edinson Cavani and Ezequiel Lavezzi in recent years, the two clubs arguably have a good rapport. However, the Ligue 1 champions will have to be willing to part with a significant fee if they are serious about adding Higuain to their squad,