Real Madrid Transfer News: Marek Hamsik Comments on Rumours, Latest on Isco
Napoli star Marek Hamsik has dismissed the notion he could be set to leave the Serie A side for Real Madrid and said Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane has not been in contact with him.
According to CalcioNapoli24.it (h/t Football Italia), the midfielder said:
"Real Madrid? I have a contract with Napoli and I'm really not thinking of leaving. I'm pleased about what we're doing, but we'll see.
Zidane didn't call me, but then again not many people know my phone number. These are just rumours going round, I haven't received any actual offer.
"
The Slovakian has helped the Partenopei challenge Juventus for the Scudetto this season, and Napoli sit three points behind the Bianconeri with eight games remaining.
Real will likely be recruiting heavily this summer ahead of their suspended transfer ban, particularly with the club in need of an overhaul after spending another season trailing Barcelona in La Liga, and attacking midfielders could be the order of the day, with the likes of Isco and James Rodriguez struggling to produce their best form.
Hamsik has scored seven and assisted as many in Serie A and the UEFA Europa League this season, ostensibly from a central midfield role.
He recently demonstrated his dribbling skills and composure with an excellent goal against Sampdoria, per BT Sport Football:
Here are some more of his highlights:
As the video demonstrated, the 28-year-old is composed in possession and has a real eye for a pass.
Indeed, he's perhaps unfortunate not to have many more assists this season having created an outstanding 70 chances in Serie A, according to Squawka—particularly as Gonzalo Higuain has been in such red-hot form ahead of him.
Napoli are still hopeful of winning the title this year, and it seems whether they do or not, he's happy to stay put.
Real's own Isco is another player hoping to remain where he is, according to David Amoyal of Gianluca Di Marzio's website.
Isco said: "We're a team, I don't feel singled out. Will I join Juve? They need to sell some papers... I'm very happy at Real and I want to complete the remaining portion of my contract [two more seasons] with Madrid."
Italian outlet Tuttosport (h/t TalkSport) recently reported Juventus are preparing a £39 million offer for the Spaniard.
It would not be overly surprising if Real had been hoping to move him on amid this summer's likely overhaul, as he has struggled to nail down a starting berth in the team particularly under Zidane, whom he has played 90 minutes for just twice.
Sky Sports' Guillem Balague offered an explanation: "Quite simply, he is not good enough for Real Madrid. He is not consistent so he gets frustrated by being in and out of the team, and that turn affects his consistency. It's a vicious circle if you would like to use that analogy. He hasn't reached the level he should be at."
He has accrued four goals and 12 assists this season and still has youth on his side at 23, so he'd likely attract plenty of interest if he were available.
The playmaker is evidently determined to stay, though, so Juventus and other prospective suitors may need to look elsewhere.
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