Italian journalist Paolo Bargiggia has claimed that Napoli have no intention of activating the option to buy Tanguy Ndombele permanently from Tottenham.
Ndombele now appears to be edging close to a season-long loan move to Napoli, with Fabrizio Romano revealing that the Serie A club will have the option to buy the midfielder permanently for €30m (£25.2m).
According to Romano, the Italian club will pay a €1m (£840k) loan fee to Spurs for the midfielder, who is expected to complete his medical on Thursday.
Rai Sport (as relayed by Tutto Napoli) revealed on Tuesday that Tottenham will cover half of the Frenchman’s salary over the course of his loan spell at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
Bargiggia has now explained that Ndombele rejected several approaches from Premier League clubs in favour of a move to Naples.
The journalist claimed that Luciano Spalletti’s side do not plan on activating the clause to buy the midfielder and will instead look to renegotiate a deal with Spurs next summer if they do want to sign the player.
Bargiggia told Calcio Napoli 24: “Ndombele will arrive at Napoli despite having other offers from Premier League clubs because it is he who wants the Neapolitan club.
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“To take on loan such an important player, paid £70m two seasons ago, brings prestige to Serie A and to the team of De Laurentiis, unfairly criticised for the market made until now.
“Tottenham are asking €2m for the loan, but Napoli are only offering €1m. I am optimistic about his arrival.
“The right of redemption will be set between €30m and €35m because Tottenham cannot set a lower figure otherwise they would make a capital loss.
“Napoli’s idea is to let the figure agreed today expire in June 2023 and then retract the purchase.”
Spurs Web Opinion
I am not surprised that Ndombele rejected offers from English clubs as the speed and the intensity of the Premier League appeared to be too much for him.
His game seems to be better suited to Serie A, and Spurs will be hoping that the midfielder impresses enough at Napoli to convince the club to activate the purchase option.
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