Chelsea, Maurizio Sarri Closing In on 2-Year Contract After 'Marathon Meeting'

Italian media report Chelsea had a "marathon meeting" with Maurizio Sarri's entourage and are willing to trigger a release clause in his Napoli contract worth €8 million (roughly £7 million)―despite the fact he was fired by the Italian club. 

Sportitalia's Alfredo Pedulla reported the news, adding a two-year contract is being prepared for Sarri (h/t Football Italia). Napoli fired the tactician on Wednesday but could still demand payment because of a clause in his contract that doesn't expire until May 31.

Sarri's move to Chelsea only seems a matter of time. He was highly successful in Naples―they certainly didn't fire him out of malice or over poor results, but rather opened the door for his move to the Blues.

Napoli didn't waste any time replacing him, either:

The speed with which Carlo Ancelotti's arrival was announced suggests Sarri and Napoli knew long ago they would be going their separate ways this summer, which should make the negotiations with Chelsea easier.

The Blues have yet to part company with manager Antonio Conte, but after missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification, his fate appears to be sealed.

According to Pedulla, David Luiz could be sent to Napoli as part of Sarri's appointment at Stamford Bridge, adding another layer of confusion to the deal.