Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri is reportedly close to leaving Naples and replacing Antonio Conte as Chelsea manager, according to The Daily Mail.
Napoli have had an eventful season, nearly winning their first Serie A title since 1990, challenging Juventus throughout the season.
Sarri is set to leave Napoli with Roman Abramovic apparently keen on bringing him to Stamford Bridge and letting go of Antonio Conte, who has criticised Abramovic and the Chelsea board over transfers.
It is believed that if Chelsea decide to sack Conte, they would have to pay £9m in compensation.
Chelsea would also have to pay a further £7m to activate Sarri’s release clause, which the Italian reportedly wishes to happen, as he has his heart set on a move to West London, after rejecting a £3.5m per year contract from Zenit St Petersburg.
Napoli chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis has said (via The Daily Mail):
There is no more time for Sarri, he didn’t answer. Ask him.
He has always just sent me to Alessandro Pellegrini (Sarri’s agent), he never game me an answer, he only replied, “boh!”
I have to take responsibility. At some point we have to move forward. ‘I’m not saying he will leave. There is a release clause, we’ll see what will happen.
