Ardian Ismajli, the Albanian center-back, has caught the attention of Serie A giants Juventus, Inter, and Napoli as his contract with Empoli nears its end. The 28-year-old defender has reportedly rejected a contract extension offer from Empoli, setting the stage for a potential high-profile move.
Calciomercato [**report**](https://www.calciomercato.com/news/inter-juve-e-napoli-su-ismajli-empoli-pronto-a-pescare-sul-merca-76313) how Ismajli’s current contract with Empoli is set to expire in June 2025, and unless there’s a last-minute renewal or a January transfer, he will be free to choose his next destination as a free agent at the end of this season. This situation has alerted several top Italian clubs, who see an opportunity to acquire a seasoned Serie A defender without a transfer fee.
The Albanian international joined Empoli in the summer of 2021 for €2 million from Spezia, who had brought him to Italy a year earlier from Hajduk Split for €2.2 million. Since his arrival at Empoli, Ismajli has made 93 appearances and established himself as a key figure in their defense.
As Empoli faces the potential departure of Ismajli, the club is already looking to strengthen its defensive options. They are reportedly close to signing Koffi Djidji, who left Torino as a free agent at the end of last season. The Ivorian-French defender, born in 1992 and formerly of Nantes and Crotone, is expected to train with D’Aversa’s squad on a trial basis, with a view to a possible contract.