Elseid Hysaj was the name on everybody’s lips and at everybody’s fingertips over the weekend but his agent insists he’s staying at Napoli for at least another season.

The defender was suddenly linked with a move to north London after playing for Albania in the Euros in a story, which originated in the Daily Star, a publication that has a history of actually being right about Arsenal transfer news. It was thought we were bringing him in potentially as a replacement for Hector Bellerin, which simply isn’t true.

The link, however, could have been.

Now, Hysaj’s agent, Mario Giuffredi, has put the rumours to bed claiming that Arsenal wouldn’t be an improvement on Napoli and that he was staying there for another year.

“I believe that Elseid should remain for another year,” Giuffredi told Radio Crc, an Italian radio station.

“He can complete his footballing growth and also compete in the Champions League with the Azzurri.

“Arsenal are on par with Napoli as a team. However, he could be sold next year if the right offer arrives and the hierarchy want to accept it for the good of the club and the player.”

539400306 elseid hysaj of albania in action during the gettyimages
LENS, FRANCE – JUNE 11: Elseid Hysaj of Albania in action during the UEFA EURO 2016 Group A match between Albania and Switzerland at Stade Bollaert-Delelis on June 11, 2016 in Lens, France. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

He added, “We will not ask for him to leave,” he added. “Although it is clear the value of the player has changed and certain things need to be renewed if he is to maintain his justified economic value.

“The player will remain at Napoli but only if he receives the right gratification. We will not create chaos for a renewal and we will complete the deal when there is the right opportunity.”

Although this does appear to put the rumour to bed once and for all, anything can happen in football and just because it sounds as if Hysaj, his agent and the Serie A club are on good terms, this doesn’t necessarily make it true.