Chelsea look set to miss out on the signature of Napoli defender Raul Albiol, who is reportedly close to signing a new deal in Italy.
Gianluca Di Marzio reports that the defender will extend his stay in Naples, with the contract no longer including the €6 million release clause.
While the defender could still be sold this summer, the report does claim that he will remain part of the squad and work with the new manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Both Chelsea and Villarreal had been heavily linked with a move for Albiol, who impressed in Naples last season.
Maurizio Sarri, who is set to take over at Chelsea, is said to be a huge admirer of the player.
There was also believed to be some interest from Albiol’s part in a move back to Spain, however, that no longer appears to be the case.
Sarri is clearly keen to add defensive reinforcement to the Chelsea squad over the summer, with the club ready to step up their interest in Daniele Rugani once the Italian is appointed.
