Lorenzo Insigne
Lorenzo Insigne Getty Images

Arsenal have suffered a massive blow in pursuit of Lorenzo Insigne after Antonio Ottaiano, his agent, claimed that the forward has no intentions of leaving Napoli.

The Italian international was linked with a surprise move to the Emirates during the summer transfer window with the north London club said to be tabling a £17m offer.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is keen on bolstering his attacking lineup for the upcoming campaign in pursuit of silverware.

The Frenchman was believed to have sent scouts to watch Insigne play in Brazil. But the 23-year-old featured only for 33 minutes as Cesare Prandelli's side crashed out of the World Cup in the group stage.

Insigne was one of the key players for Rafael Benitez's side last season as they finished third in the league table and won the Italian Cup. He made 51 appearances in all competitions, scoring nine goals and contributing seven assists in the process.

Ottaiano had earlier claimed that the talented forward was honoured by the speculation but stressed that the Naples club would be unwilling to part ways with their prized asset. However, his latest comments look to have put an end to Arsenal's chances as he believes his client aspires to wear the armband at Stadio San Paolo.

"It can only make us and Napoli proud that important clubs want him, but as long as Napoli want him to be a part of their ambitious project, then he will stay," the Daily Express quoted Ottaiano as saying.

"He dreams of becoming Napoli captain, so today I doubt there are any sides that could put his position in doubt. Of course, the only alternative is if the club decides to do differently. In that case, we'd be forced to re-evaluate our own plans."

"Undoubtedly in the last few months of the season he had more starts, but if we look at the actual minutes played then he had almost as many as Jose Callejon."

"He always hopes to play more, but the campaign was satisfying in terms of playing time," he concluded.

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