Napoli have more urgent deals to handle, primarily the acquisition of Fenerbahce’s Kim Min-Jae, but they also need to bring in a new goalkeeper this summer. It is still uncertain whether it will be a starting-caliber player. Or if they will fully hand the reins to Alex Meret.
As per La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Partenopei have touched base for multiple experienced options. They have inquired about the availability of Keylor Navas. Gianluigi Donnarumma is primed to be PSG’s top shot-stopper next season. They have also gathered intel about Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga. However, their wages are major hurdles.
The latest addition to the shortlist is Barcelona goalkeeper Norberto Neto. He would not mind coming back to Serie A after his turns at Fiorentina and Juventus. The Partenopei are eyeing Osijek’s Ivica Ivusic too, who has five caps with Croatia. Salvatore Sirigu will be a fallback plan until some team puts him under contract.
The Azzurri have an agreement in principle on a multi-year extension with Meret. However, he has not signed it yet. He is biding time to see whom the club will acquire first. He wishes to play regularly, which would not be the case if Navas or Kepa joined.
Our Take on Napoli Looking for a Goalkeeper
Granted that alternating is tough, and more so in such a delicate role, but the former Udinese man has done little to prove he deserves the job. He has seemingly declined rather than improved since he joined. Navas would be worth the investment and would be a clear no.1. Instead, Neto is solid enough to replicate what happened with David Ospina. Their front office needs to make a technical decision more than a financial one.