Chelsea are desperately seeking additions to their first-team after missing out on Champions League football for next season but their inability to offer opportunities at the highest level looks to have come back to haunt the Blues.
The west London side are widely reported to be interested in the services of OGC Nice’s Ivory Coast international Jean-Michel Seri, said to be available this summer if his release clause of £35m is met in the market.
However, Chelsea look set to miss out as Seri’s agent, Franklin Mala, has confirmed to Radio Kiss Kiss that his client is in discussions with Napoli and is keen on the opportunity to join the Serie A runners-up.
“We are in talks with Napoli and he’s tempted by the idea of wearing the jersey. He would really like to play for Napoli and Carlo Ancelotti could get the best out of his characteristics.”
Napoli, crucially, would be able to offer Champions League football to the 26-year-old.