Report: Witsel-Napoli talks collapse

By Football Italia staff

Napoli talks with Zenit for Axel Witsel have again hit problems and Italian reports claim they’ve definitively collapsed.

The deal appeared to be close for €22m plus another €3m in bonuses.

However, negotiations over personal terms have run into issues.

The contract on the table is for four years, plus an option for a fifth, earning €3.2m per season.

As is often the case with Napoli, the problem is around image rights, but Sportitalia claim it's because Coach Maurizio Sarri wanted someone with different characteristics.

According to Mediaset Premium and Sky Sport Italia, the talks have definitively collapsed.

Witsel also received interest from Everton, Liverpool and Chelsea.

The favourite seems to be Everton, who were very close to a move just before he veered towards Napoli.

However, Calciomercato.it claim Thursday will be decisive, as that is when Witsel returns from his summer vacation.

Watch Serie A live in the UK on Premier Sports for just £9.99 per month including live LaLiga, Eredivisie, Scottish Cup Football and more. Visit: https://www.premiersports.com/subscribenow