Napoli’s president Aurelio De Laurentiis made his money in the film business, and there’s no denying he likes a bit of drama, especially when it comes to transfers.
For Chelsea fans more used to the total silence of Roman Abramovich, the outspoken Neapolitan speaking to reporters regularly about his players and their future is hard to get one’s head around.
In the autumn, De Laurentiis confirmed that “a club” had made a massive offer for centre back Kalidou Koulibaly, and he has now confirmed that that club was Chelsea.
In quotes carried on Gianluca Di Marzio’s website, the president said that he had told Antonio Conte “I couldn’t sell someone like Kalidou without having a worthy replacement”.
It was frustrating for Blues fans at the time, but given that it precipitated the return of David Luiz, it all worked out for the best.
Chelsea fans interested in Dries Mertens will also be interested to hear the outspoken Italian’s thoughts on the forward’s future:
“I think he wants to stay at Napoli: but we’ll then have to ask his wife.”
