An Italian agent has indicated that Napoli are still in the race for the signature of Arsenal goalkeeping target Bernd Leno this summer.
Leno has reportedly told Bayer Leverkusen that he wants to leave the club in the ongoing transfer window and the goalkeeper is expected to be playing for someone else next season.
Arsenal are interested in signing the German goalkeeper this summer, but they have been facing stiff competition from Napoli, who identified him as their top target.
Leno’s agent recently ruled out Napoli’s chances of signing the goalkeeper but Fabio Parisi, an Italian agent working on the Italian club’s behalf, indicated that the Serie A giants are still in the chase.
He stressed that the negotiations are under way for Napoli to sign Leno and the club are looking to get a deal over the line before the start of the World Cup in Russia.
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Parisi also added that the club could look to agree a negotiated deal rather than pay the €28m clause in the Leverkusen goalkeeper’s contract.
The Italian agent told Radio Kiss Kiss when asked about Napoli’s interest in Leno: “We are working to bring him to Napoli but there are details that need to be filed and be defined.
“The negotiation is in progress and it is useless to deny that he is one of Napoli’s primary objectives.
“It won’t happen in 24 hours but it will not take much time as well. The desire is to close everything before the World Cup as he is a key player for Germany.”
He continued: “The clause exists in his contract and it is equal to €28m, but if there is a possibility of a negotiated deal we will work it out.
“I am optimistic by nature and the Napoli hierarchy holds Leno in high regard. Just like everyone else we have to work hard on it.
“But since we are all serious about it I am optimistic about a positive outcome to the negotiations.”
