Transfer Centre

President Aurelio De Laurentiis: 'Napoli not considering Mario Balotelli'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 29 May 2018

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis says that the Serie A club are not currently considering an approach for Nice forward Mario Balotelli.

President Aurelio De Laurentiis has suggested that Napoli are not looking to sign a striker during the summer transfer window.

Napoli narrowly missed out on the Serie A title to Juventus this season but changes are a possibility, with Carlo Ancelotti having already replaced Maurizio Sarri in the dugout.

Agent Mino Raiola has indicated that Mario Balotelli is open to signing for Napoli ahead of the next campaign but as it stands, it appears that a move is unlikely.

Speaking at the University of Naples Federico II, De Laurentiis said: "We haven't considered him. He is extraordinary, but first we need to consider the possibilities of players who are already here with Ancelotti during pre-season.

"We've got many attacking players, so we cannot harm those who are already here and have never played for Napoli. To think the attack is our priority would be a mistake. Our priorities are different."

Balotelli is available on a free transfer after choosing to leave Nice at the end of his contract.