Chelsea could have another free transfer success story amid their reported interest in Napoli star Lorenzo Insigne.
There have been plenty of influential figures in the Blues’ history who arrived at the club on the back of the Bosman ruling.
Fan favourites such as Gianluca Vialli, Ruud Gullit, Michael Ballack, and recently Thiago Silva, all had made big impacts after joining.
In a recent report from Spanish outlet Marca, Chelsea could now add another player to the list in Napoli’s versatile forward, Insigne.
The 30-year-old is in the final year of his contract with Napoli, and the report suggests he is not happy with the club’s offering him a 50 per cent pay cut during negotiations over a new contract.
In a recent interview, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis suggested that they are unlikely to make an improved offer.
“I’m talking to his agent about renewing Insigne’s contract, but then it will depend above all on him,” the Napoli chief told Sky Italia about Insigne’s contract situation.
“I’m used to the world of films not forcing my hand in relationships.
“If Lorenzo wants to end his career here with us, we will welcome him with open arms, otherwise we’ll get over it.”
Insigne could bring experience and consistency to young Chelsea attacking line
This is where Chelsea could come in. The Italy international is reportedly on a €5million (£4.3m)-a-year contract or roughly £82,000-a-week salary (per Football Italia) — a figure Chelsea could easily offer.
Insigne, who had 19 goals and seven assists in Serie A last season, is still one of the most productive forwards in Europe.
He has already had four goals and three assists from 11 league appearances this term, despite mostly playing as a left winger.
Obviously, Chelsea already have Timo Werner, who has similar traits to Insigne, but adding another experienced attacker to this young Chelsea side could help bring more consistency.