According to sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli, Napoli expects Dries Mertens to sign a new contract but Jose Callejon could leave the club.
Mertens was connected to Chelsea and Inter as he approaches his deal’s final weeks, but it seems that the 33-year-old is set to stay at the San Paolo.
Callejon, also 33, has not yet decided on his future and will plan to leave when this year’s contract expires.
Everton and Valencia are said to be interested in the forward but Giuntoli at least expects him to stay for the rest of the season.
“With Mertens, things are going forward. There is a desire on both sides to move on together. We hope the renewal will be formalized soon. We are waiting for Callejon. He hasn’t decided what to do with his future. Both of these gave Napoli a lot. We ‘re talking and it’s calm weather. The Spaniard is an exemplary professional, he will finish the season with us anyway, if he leaves,” he told Sky Sport.
Giuntoli also hopes to see Gennaro Gattuso commit to a longer-term deal, although he says the talks are somewhat on hold after the head coach lost his sister at the age of just 37.
“Rhino brought a lot. The club’s will is to carry on with him. Unfortunately, he was hit by a very serious loss, and we’re all shaken. We ‘re going to go on together-I think it’s obvious, “Giuntoli said.
Fabian Ruiz, who has been persistently tipped as a possibility for Real Madrid, is another Napoli player to be linked to a move away but Giuntoli also hopes to see the midfielder commit his long-term future to the club.
“He ‘s got a three-year contract, so we’re going to think about a renewal next year. I think he is going to stay with Napoli, “he added.
