Barcelona have joined the list of teams running the rule over Napoli defender Elseid Hysaj.
The Albanian international joined the Serie A outfit from Empoli a year ago for a reported fee of €5m, following Coach Maurizio Sarri to the Stadio San Paolo, and was an undisputed starter for the Partenopei last term with a total of 43 appearances in all competitions.
The 22-year-old’s versatility – he can play at either right-back or left-back – has led to him becoming hot property and, according to Le10Sport, Arsenal have already raised their bid for the player from €15m to €19m.
Hysaj is also interesting Bayern Munich, Monaco and Atletico Madrid, while Barca have now added their name to the list of potential suitors.
Nonetheless, Napoli will be competing in the Champions League next term and are in no rush to dismantle their squad, while another drawback is that Hysaj is also in advanced negotiations with them over a contract extension, which would raise his market value significantly.
In the meantime, the player’s agent Mario Giuffredi has told Radio Crc there is no need for Hysaj to leave Napoli this summer.
“Elseid is feeling great, he’s proving to be a player of great quality on the international stage, and the fact Napoli are looking at defenders like Fabinho doesn’t bother me, but I think in the end Gino Peruzzi of Boca Juniors will come.
“Hysaj is still calm, because I think he’s unmoveable from the right flank. I want to point out that Hysaj is not for sale, he’s shown a lot at Napoli and he’s happy in the city.
“The club wants to revise his contract, so there’s no reason to leave.”
