Crazy Napoli offered the guy who rejected a move to Saudi Arabia a reduced salary - so they'll lose him for nothing

Get Cristiano Giuntoli and Bartlomiej Bolek around a table, and it's a scene that Napoli supporters must have witnessed in 2016 when Giuntoli, who is the current technical director of Juventus, brought Piotr Zielinski to Napoli from Udinese. Bolek is Zielinski's agent, and he helped orchestrate the move. This partnership may become relevant again in Turin. Zielinski's contract with Napoli is set to expire, and despite ongoing contract renewal negotiations, the two parties haven't reached an agreement. This means the Pole can sign with another club starting in January.

Zielinski was close to leaving Napoli a few months ago when Al-Ahli made a substantial offer to both the club and the player. However, he declined the lucrative offer, especially due to the wishes of his wife, Laura, who wants to continue living with her family near Mount Vesuvius. Napoli offered Zielinski a new contract

with an annual salary of approximately $2.6 million, one million less than his current salary, but it would have started immediately. Naturally, it proved to be slightly insulting for the Polish international. He agreed to the terms for future years but wasn't ready to give up his current salary immediately. As a result, he didn't sign the agreement. Meanwhile, other clubs have become aware of the situation and inquired about Zielinski. As a result, Napoli is no longer certain they can retain their midfielder and might consider a sale for a reasonable offer from abroad in January, an option not currently contemplated for selling to other Italian clubs.

Giuntoli and sporting director Giovanni Manna have been discussing midfield reinforcement since losing both Pogba and Fagioli. Rodrigo de Paul and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg are strong candidates, subject to the willingness of the selling clubs. Zielinski, however, is considered a luxury opportunity on a free transfer in July. His current salary of $3.7 million is not an insurmountable obstacle. This is particularly relevant because Juventus, in the coming days, will officially announce the contract extension of Manuel Locatelli until 2028, with improved wages. Juventus is yet to determine Adrien Rabiot's fate as he is also out of contract. Zielinski could be an ideal, more cost-effective replacement for Rabiot, or they might coexist in a formidable midfield.

However, competition for Zielinski might arise in January, especially from strong foreign suitors. Inter is also interested and has been in contact with Bolek. They might offer around $4.2 million per year plus agent commissions. The game is on, and Juventus intends to play it, remaining within the confines of the new corporate direction. Giuntoli is an added asset due to his previous relationship with Zielinski and the agent. Will it be enough? It's too early to tell today. The 29-year-old would bring more technique, unpredictability, and danger to Juventus' midfield. Moreover, as a player born in 1994, he would add the right level of maturity to Allegri's team, providing the perfect mix of experience and freshness needed to succeed.