Lorenzo Insigne’s contract scenario at Serie A has been dragged on for way too long now. For a prolific goal scorer like him, the Italian club has shown him very little respect, though he hasn’t seen any dip in first team action. Despite increasing attention from clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool and Juventus, the player has always wanted to give first preference to his boyhood club; a decision that has panned out badly.
Recently, the player’s agent, Ciro Venerato, has stated that the player is tired and frustrated of waiting for the club to make an offer. The player reopened talks of a contract extension in the beginning of February, but it has progressed nowhere indicating a lack of respect from the club.
Venerato said, “Insigne is tired of waiting… “He has four clubs that have offered €4.5m (£3.9m) and a sponsorship deal from a multinational company that would pay €2.5m (£2.1m) … He’s willing to take less to just to stay with Napoli but wants €4m (£3.4m) per season.”
“Napoli offered €3.5m (£3m) and no more, inclusive of commission to agents who will take about 5%. An agreement will be reached in May. Milan and Atletico Madrid are coming out of the closet, Juventus and Roma are thinking about it. We’ll see who will win the day.”
Arsene Wenger has been a long-term admirer of the player and now with star player Alexis Sanchez closing in on a move away from the club following a disastrous season and failed contract negotiations, the Gunners could make a move for the 25-year-old. Insigne has scored 12 goals and registered seven assists in Serie A this season. His playing technique and work rate very much represents the Chilean and could be a good replacement, if not perfect.
Though he won’t come in easy for the North-London club as Liverpool, Juventus, Milan, Roma and others, are bound to pose a tough fight, the sale of Sanchez could leave Arsenal with a lump sum amount and getting him shouldn’t be a problem.
A central attacking midfielder by nature, Insigne can operate equally well from the left flank and his lethal right foot helps him to unleash impeccable shots while cutting in. His agility and stamina are perfectly matched for the Premier league and like Sanchez, he could turn defence to attack in a flash. A big concern for Insigne may well be his height. The player is only 162 cm high and it might lead him to get outmuscled repeatedly, although his pace should make up for it.
Arsenal are pretty much sure of binding in Mesut Ozil and the German playmaker could combine brilliantly with the Italian forward on the counter. Arsenal’s season is going through an unusually bad patch at the moment, and the club would have to bring in big names next season if they want to make a statement.
