Christian Maggio says Napoli players have known for some time that Ezequiel Lavezzi would be leaving.
The winger was speaking in a press conference on international duty with Italy.
"We'd known for some time that Pocho wanted to go," said Maggio.
It is well known the Argentine is in a bidding war with Inter, PSG and Anzhi, but this is the first confirmation that Lavezzi has been planning an exit all season.
"The interest of big clubs on Lavezzi and Edi Cavani shows our football at Napoli is appreciated.
"If Cavani were to go too, then the situation would get tricky, but we are keeping a tight hold on him."