Chelsea could rival Liverpool and Juventus for Napoli left back Faouzi Ghoulam, according to Calciomercato.it.
The 26 year old is available on a free transfer at the end of the season, and speaking to Radio Crc (via Football-Italia.net), the agent of Ghoulam’s team mate Mario Rui, Mario Giuffredi says he cannot see the Algerian international staying at the Serie A club and renewing his contract:
“I don’t think Ghoulam will renew with Napoli, and it’s enough to think that in four months he’ll be able to sign for whoever he wants for nothing. He could earn €5m and if I were his agent I’d do that, and I don’t think the others are stupid. I don’t believe these stories that Ghoulam wants to renew, if he wanted to renew he’d already have done it.”
“Besides, with the way he’s playing Napoli can’t afford to put him in the stands. After August 31, it’s the player who has the handle of the knife.”
Ghoulam is likely a target for the Blues if they can’t secure their number left back target, Alex Sandro from Juventus. The Brazilian is reportedly poised to sign a new €5m a season, five year deal at the Italian club.
Napoli are currently above Juventus in Serie A on goal difference at the top of the table, and Ghoulam has played an integral part with two goals and three assists in six league matches so far. The fact that he is equally capable playing as a left winger would make him an ideal fit for a wing back role as well.
