Benitez also discusses transfer targets as club continue to strengthen.
Napoli coach Rafa Benitez has told the Italian media that Juventus target Juan Zuniga is not for sale, despite speculation suggesting otherwise.
The 27-year-old has been strongly linked with a switch to Turin this summer, with several players leaving Naples since Walter Mazzarri quit to take charge of Inter.
Following Rafa Benitez being appointed the new coach, Edinson Cavani’s sale to PSG has ensured that the southern giants have moved to strengthen the squad, but despite the number of new faces arriving at the club the Spanish tactician is keen to keep hold of Zuniga.
“Zuniga is an important player for us,” he told reporters as quoted by Football Italia. “He is a strong player and has done very well for us in recent years.
“We are working on trying to keep him here, and I would be very happy if he stays,” he added.
It is understood that Zuniga’s current deal is set to expire at the end of next season, but based on Benitez’s latest comments it would seem that the club are willing to discuss terms on extending his stay at the San Paolo.
Meanwhile, with Mauricio Isla’s future at Juve under doubt, the Bianconeri are expected to strengthen their options at wing-back this summer, but it would appear that Zuniga will not be joining them.
Benitez was keen to stress that Napoli are moving in the right direction with their recruitment strategy, and are assessing their options as to who else to bring in this summer, while also talking up the signing of Gonzalo Higuain from Real Madrid.
“[Jackson] Martinez? We are evaluating various options to strengthen the squad.
“We have already brought in important players like Higuain. I know him very well, and everyone who knows him speaks very highly.
“He scored so many goals for Real Madrid,” he concluded.
Despite Martinez stating on his official Facebook page that he is keen on staying at Porto, reports in Italy suggest that Napoli are pressing ahead with a deal to take him to Serie A.
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