Arsenal transfers: Agent doubts Lorenzo Insigne switch

Arsenal have suffered a setback in their pursuit of Lorenzo Insigne after the player’s agent again ruled out the chance of him leaving Napoli.

The 23-year-old Italy international has recently been touted as one of Arsene Wenger’s top targets as the Frenchman looks to bolster his attacking options ahead of the new season.

It can only make us and Napoli proud that important clubs want him

Antonio Ottaiano

Insigne, who is under contract until June 2018, has been linked with a €20m (£17m) switch to north London this summer.

However, agent Antonio Ottaiano says that a move is unlikely because Insigne is keen to stay with the Serie A side.

“It can only make us and Napoli proud that important clubs want him, but as long as Napoli want him to be a part of their ambitious project, then he will stay,” said Ottaiano.

“He dreams of becoming Napoli captain, so today I doubt there are any sides that could put his position in doubt. Of course, the only alternative is if the club decides to do differently. In that case, we’d be forced to re-evaluate our own plans.”

“Undoubtedly in the last few months of the season he had more starts, but if we look at the actual minutes played then he had almost as many as Jose Callejon.

“He always hopes to play more, but the campaign was satisfying in terms of playing time.”