Mazzarri confident Hamsik will stay at Napoli

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri expects prized asset Marek Hamsik to remain at the club next season, despite interest from across Europe.

Slovakia captain Hamsik has been heavily linked with a move away from Napoli after guiding the team to third place in Serie A and a Champions League qualification berth last season.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis claims to have set a 100-million-euro asking price for the 23-year-old in a bid to warn off potential suitors.

Arsenal are believed to be among those interested in the creative midfielder, who could replace Cesc Fabregas if the Spain international completes a move back to Barcelona.

Scudetto winners AC Milan have also been linked with Hamsik.

Despite the extent of speculation surrounding a potential transfer, Mazzarri is confident Hamsik will still be at the Stadio San Paolo when the 2011/12 campaign begins.

“Marek is happy to work with me and he is very motivated. He is happy to remain here,” Mazzarri told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I have spoken to him and from what I know, in the end he will not leave.”

Hamsik joined Napoli from Brescia in 2007.

He scored 11 goals in 37 league appearances last season and has four years remaining on his contract.