Argentine international expected to clinch deal in the coming days.
Napoli midfielder Blerim Dzemaili has welcomed the signing of Gonzalo Higuain, stating that the club are gaining more respect from across Europe with their summer transfer activity.
The 25-year-old Real Madrid striker is expected to undergo a medical with the club later on Wednesday, before joining up with his new team-mates and fellow new-signing Pepe Reina at the Partenopei’s pre-season training camp.
Despite losing Edinson Cavani to PSG in a deal worth €64m this summer, Dzemaili believes that the arrival of Rafa Benitez as their new coach as well as the players that have joined the club thus far suggest that Napoli are heading in the right direction.
Benitez has already secured the arrivals of Dries Mertens, Jose Callejon and Raul Albiol as the southern giants look to improve on last year’s second placed finish in Serie A, as well as making an impact in the Champions League.
Dzemaili has welcomed the arrival of Higuain in particular though, as he believes his arrival gives the club further credibility and respect amongst their European rivals.
“We are ready to welcome Gonzalo as we did with Callejon and Mertens,” he told reporters as quoted by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“It is good that the purchases Napoli are making are made of some Real Madrid players, this club is earning respect throughout Europe. It is also important for Italy and Italian football. Winning here has a completely different flavour,” he added.
The Swiss midfielder went on to hail the impact that new coach Benitez has had his since arrival earlier this summer, and is expecting the club to fight on all fronts in the new season.
It is unclear as to whether or not Napoli’s spending will stop after the arrival of Higuain and Reina, but given the fact that owner Aurelio De Laurentiis revealed last week that he has handed Benitez a budget of €124.5m, the Spaniard will look to continue strengthening the squad if required.
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