Hysaj’s agent speaks out about Arsenal move!
Arsenal are reportedly on the hunt for a new defender, as part of a possible replacement for Per Mertesacker or Calum Chambers, with the latter looking likely to head out on loan. Arsenal have had a few targets mentioned in the past few days, over a possible transfer to the club, one of which is Napoli defender Elseid Hysaj.
It was reported a few days ago how Hysaj had risen to the attention of Arsenal and Arsene Wenger, and despite not being overly impressive in Albania’s opening match against Switzerland at Euro 2016, he has had a very impressive last twelve months with his club side. Predominately playing for the Italian club at right back, Hysaj doesn’t really fit into what Arsenal need at the moment. Hector Bellerin has the right back position nailed down, so perhaps Wenger feels at 22 years old, Hysaj could have a future career set at centre back instead.
If Wenger truly is interested in making a move for the Albanian international, then he won’t be happy with the player’s agent in his recent comments. Hysaj’s agent Mario Giuffredi, was quick to have digs at Arsenal upon hearing about the interest the BPL based club have in his client.
Giuffredi told Italian radio station Radio Crc: “I consider Arsenal to be on the same level as Napoli, certainly not better. Napoli have become one of the most important clubs in Europe. He has to remain at Napoli for at least another year, as the Champions League enables you to become a complete player. Obviously if in a year or so an offer arrives worth €30m [£23.8m], then at those figures a player is generally sold.”
Arsenal had previously been linked with a £15 million move, which I personally think may be a little steep for Wenger’s liking. Therefore I highly doubt that he is going to go all the way up to €30 million for a defender who has only really risen to impressive heights in the last year. Giuffredi continued to comment in a way which can only be explained as trying to get his player a new contract at Napoli, rather than make a move to the Gunners.
“For now the player should be locked down and made happy to remain at Napoli, because then he brings benefits to the team too. We are not asking for anything, as he is grateful to Aurelio De Laurentiis [Napoli President], but certain things need to be re-evaluated because his value has changed. He needs to be put on a par with his teammates on an economic level. We are not interested in stirring up trouble over a contract renewal, as he’ll have it at the opportune moment.”
Giuffredi’s comments are those of a typical agent in football, simply trying to secure the best possible deal for his player. I’m not sure if Arsenal are even really that interested in Hysaj or whether Giuffredi and co are simply making up stories, in order to get the Albanian a new contract. I don’t know too much on Hysaj but from what I’ve seen, he certainly isn’t what arsenal currently need in my opinion, nor do I think Wenger would be willing to budge on the price tag.
By AH