Bolaji Oyegunle, London: Newly appointed Napoli boss Rafa Benitez has set his sights on a number of summer additions and will look to raid his former club Chelsea in pursuit of two midfield targets according to Italian source.
The Spaniard faces the prospect of losing star striker Edinson Cavani and will be handed a big transfer fund injection to help boost the Naples side’s push for the Serie A title.
Benitez hopes to lure defensive midfielder John Obi Mikel to the San Paolo, knowing that the Nigerian has been strongly linked with a Stamford Bridge exit with Galatasaray said to be keen on the tough tackling Blues star.
The former Blues interim boss also hopes to persuade Chelsea to sell Ramires, a player Jose Mourinho will surely keep hold of this summer.
The Brazilian has been a big success since his move to the club from Benfica in July 2010, with the 26 year old having already racked up 150 appearances in his three seasons at the West London club.
Meanwhile, Chelsea has given the duo, Mikel Obi and Kenneth Omeruo next month to resume pre-season training with club due to their participation at the on-going Confederation Cup in Brazil.
The grace was given in order for them to rest before joining the rest of the team fully towards the end of July. |
Also, West Bromwich Albion chairman Jeremy PEACE has warned Peter Odemwingie he will only allowed to leave if the price is right.
Odemwingie could be forced to sit out the remaining 12 months on his contract if the club plays hardball.
”We have players who are under contract until the end of the season. Unless something comes in to change our way of thinking he will be back in pre-season and we will deal with that.
”We took a view at the end of January- not only for the reasons of Peter Odemwingie or Queens Park Rangers, also whichever agents were involved who acted disgracefully, but for the long term of this club that we have to behave certain way.
”If we don’t do that they will all be knocking on the door. That said, unless we get an offer we’re happy with we won’t sell him ‘Peace said. |
