Maurizio Sarri to Chelsea deal close to collapse as Napoli hold firm on release clause

Posted Thursday, May 31, 2018 by Express.co.uk

Maurizio Sarri to Chelsea deal close to collapse as Napoli hold firm on release clause
Maurizio Sarri's move to Chelsea is being held up by Napoli's president

NAPOLI president Aurelio De Laurentiis has warned Chelsea "I don't do discounts" over manager Maurizio Sarri.

Chelsea want Napoli's deposed coach Sarri as their new manager and have already agreed a provisional two-year deal worth £5.5million a season with the 59-year-old.

There will also be the option to extend the terms to a third year.

But even though Sarri has already been replaced as manager at Napoli by former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti, the Italian club are holding out for the £7m they are entitled to as compensation for him under the terms of his contract, which has two years left.

Chelsea are still in talks with Napoli over that clause, but De Laurentiis last night insisted: "I don't give anyone discounts and no-one has called me about the clause in Sarri's contract.

"This was a clause put in his contract when it was renewed and his salary increased - so now it is going to be paid.

"I have to defend our fans. The clause defends my choices.

"When I modify a contract, it is with agreement. I inserted the clause, and it has to be honoured. Now the clause is not valid? I don't like this one-sided idea."

The deadline on the clause though runs out on Thursday, after which negotiations will be open.

However, seeing as Sarri only earns £1.2m a year at Napoli Chelsea will be hoping to do a deal.

De Laurentiis, though, is intent on playing hard ball and could theoretically demand any price.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have still not settled terms with outgoing manager Antonio Conte, who will cost them £9m to dismiss, with one year of his deal left.