Marek Hamsik
Marek Hamsik has been repeatedly linked with a move to several big European clubs.Reuters file

Arsenal are reportedly weighing up an approach for Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik.

The Slovakia international has been one of the most sought after footballers in Europe in the last few years, notching up 70 goals and 50 assists from 252 Serie A appearances for the Naples-based outfit, after joining them from Brescia in 2007.

Hamsik has been repeatedly linked with a move to several big European clubs in the recent past but decided to stay on at Napoli, after becoming a fan favourite at the club.

However, the 27-year-old has now fallen out-of-favour with most of the Partenopei faithful, after enduring a below par season so far. And the Napoli skipper, who was jeered off the field after he had a big miss in front of goal in the 2-2 draw at home to Empoli on Sunday, is now understood to be ready to consider a move away from the club.

Arsenal are very much interested in Hamsik, according to the Express, while the player's agent has also approached Chelsea, Man United and Liverpool over a potential move.

Meanwhile, Napoli boss Rafael Benitez insists he is determined to get Hamsik back to his best soon.

The clinical attacking midfielder has gone goal-shy this season, and has managed only two goals and two assists from 12 Serie A starts so far, but the Spanish tactician has now backed his captain to come good again.

"Hamsik is making a big effort and working hard during the matches," the Daily Mail quoted Benitez as saying.

"It's Hamsik plus 10 others. He's clearly not playing at his highest level, he's a player who lacks self-confidence and I want to get him back to his best because he's very important."

Hamsik and Napoli will face the player's boyhood club Slovan Bratislava in the Europa League on Thursday.