By 90min | Created at 2024-11-16 16:01:55 | Updated at 2024-11-16 18:46:47
2 hours ago
Poland international Piotr Zielinski has revealed he had transfer interest from Premier League giants Liverpool and Arsenal as well as Barcelona during the summer window.
The 30-year-old was a key star in Napoli's stunning 2022/23 Serie A title win, with his powerful midfield displays helping the Azzurri to just a third ever Italian championship.
However, he did not extend his contract and instead departed on a free transfer to current title holders Inter, who are also unbeaten in this season's Champions League.
Zielinski has now claimed he had options to move to England or Spain but decided to stay in Italy.
Zielinski recently faced Arsenal in the Champions League / Anadolu/GettyImages
"Clubs like Liverpool, Arsenal and Atletico Madrid were interested in me, and I also received specific requests from Barcelona," he told Kanal Sportowy. "However, I love Italy. When I arrived at Napoli I immediately felt very comfortable and for this reason it would have been difficult for me to move to England.
"I could have thought about Spain, but my priority was to continue my career in Italy. I am now at Inter, but Napoli is still a great club and I would have loved to renew my contract there."
Zielinski has started three of Inter's four Champions League outings but only two of their Serie A matches. He scored twice in the dramatic 4-4 draw with Juventus in late October.
Arsenal brought in Euro 2024 winner Mikel Merino to bolster their midfield, while Liverpool have deployed Ryan Gravenberch in a major role after a quiet debut season on loan.
It's the Reds who have made the more impressive start in the Premier League title race, darting five points clear of second-placed Manchester City by the November international break.
