Napoli vice president eyes Koulibaly and Mertens renewals, refuses to rule out Dybala move

Napoli vice president Edoardo De Laurentiis remains hopeful of tying Kalidou Koulibaly and Dries Mertens down to new contracts, although he is uncertain why the former is yet to commit his future to the Partenopei.

Meanwhile, De Laurentiis has refused to rule out a move for free agent Paulo Dybala after the talented Argentinian left Juventus.

Napoli enjoyed a promising first season under Luciano Spalletti last term, finishing third in Serie A after threatening to win a first Scudetto since Diego Maradona starred in their 1989-90 triumph.

Both Koulibaly and Mertens played key roles for Spalletti’s men, with the Senegal captain helping Napoli concede the joint-fewest goals (31) and keep the second-most clean sheets (16) in Serie A.

Mertens, meanwhile, scored 11 league goals last term, a figure only bettered by Victor Osimhen (14) among Napoli players.

But having already lost Lorenzo Insigne to Major League Soccer team Toronto FC in the off-season, Napoli are yet to agree fresh contract terms with either of their star duo.

Koulibaly has just one year remaining on his deal, and De Laurentiis is keen to see him extend his eight-year stay with the club.

“We offered him €6million net per season for the next 5 years, I don’t know what to tell you better than this,” he said.

“Why hasn’t he accepted yet? I can’t get into every single player’s head.

“What we have offered him is not cheap, especially after the pandemic. Koulibaly is a great man and over the years he has proven to be a great person, for us to confirm him is the most important thing in the world.”