Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing former Arsenal stopper David Ospina from Napoli in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, David Ospina is the latest goalkeeper to have popped up on the radar of Barcelona over a move in the summer transfer window. The former Arsenal shot-stopper is being viewed as a potential replacement for Neto, who is keen on departing Camp Nou.
David Ospina joined Napoli from Arsenal in the summer of 2018 and has since only marginally improved his game-time. Positioned in a game-sharing role with Alex Meret, the 32-year-old has managed to feature in just 70 games over three seasons at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, keeping 26 clean sheets in the process.
However, the former Arsenal goalkeeper was most recently involved in an impressive Copa America campaign with Colombia, who finished third in the competition behind Brazil and Argentina. At club level, meanwhile, Ospina could be set for a big move to Barcelona this summer.
The Catalan giants are being forced to dip their toes in the transfer market for a goalkeeper this summer owing to the uncertain future of Neto. The Brazilian shot-stopper is keen on leaving Barcelona this summer in search of regular game-time, with Arsenal among his suitors.
Neto’s exit from Camp Nou will force Barcelona to sign a replacement, especially with Inaki Pena also being tipped for a summer departure, albeit on loan, in order to continue his development as a goalkeeper. To that end, Barcelona have been heavily linked with former backup stopper Jordi Masip, with other options being considered as well.
Among the aforementioned options are Sergio Asenjo, Alex Remiro and Aitor Fernandez, with former Arsenal star Ospina now emerging on the Blaugrana’s radar. The report suggests that Ospina might be willing to take on the role of being backup to Marc-Andre ter Stegen, which bodes well for Barcelona.
The ex-Arsenal custodian could also get a chance to feature straightaway, seeing as ter Stegen could miss the start of the season after undergoing a procedure on his knee. What now remains to be seen is if Barcelona prioritise a move for Ospina or if they focus their attention on some other goalkeeper instead.
