Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are interested in acquiring the services of Napoli shot-stopper Alex Meret.
According to a report from Football Transfers via Calciomercato, Arsenal’s search for a new shot-stopper continues and they seem to be interested in the services of Alex Meret.
Meret came up the ranks at Udinese Calcio and made a name for himself while playing for their first team before making the move to Napoli in the summer of 2018. While it was an initial loan transfer, the move was made permanent a year later.
The 27-year-old goalkeeper remains an integral part of their first team and he seems to have taken his game to another level since the arrival of Antonio Conte at the club. In his six outings this season, he has kept four clean sheets.
While things are going great for the Italian shot-stopper, his contract runs out in the summer of 2025 and unlike last summer, there are no options to extend it for another 12 months. With Meret potentially available for free in around 10 months’ time, Arsenal are looking to make the most out of the situation.
Arsenal want to sign Meret for free
The Gunners parted ways with Aaron Ramsdale during the summer. They did sign Neto on loan to provide cover to their first choice David Raya but they are still looking for someone who can take up the backup role in the long run. Arsenal want someone who can challenge the former Brentford shot-stopper for a place in the starting XI.
Espanyol’s Joan Garcia is a top target but with the Spanish club not ready to let him leave for anything less than €30 million, the Gunners are looking at Meret who will be available for free next summer.
He has all the qualities that Arteta is looking for and he will surely challenge Raya for the starting spot. But, it will be interesting to see if he is ready to take up the backup role. More importantly, Napoli will keep pushing for a new deal as they feel he will be key if they want to succeed under Antonio Conte.
