Antonio Conte hasn’t been too impressed by the performances of Alex Meret during the preseason and could ask Napoli to bring in another quality goalie to challenge him, for instance, Kepa Arrizabalaga, who’s back at Chelsea after a spell at Real Madrid, Corriere dello Sport informs.
The current Partenopei starter is under contract only until 2025. The parties are in talks to extend it. He has had multiple short-term renewals as the team never fully bought in on him.
Napoli already targeted Kepa in 2022, and Meret was suddenly close to joining Spezia. The domino didn’t end up happening. Chelsea won’t keep him as they have six goalies in their squad and recently signed their new likely starter, Filip Jorgensen from Villarreal.
If the Azzurri decided to target the Spaniard, his wages would be the first obstacle since he makes €6M annually. However, he’s under contract only until 2025. He’d have to accept to dilute the figure in a multi-year deal. They wouldn’t necessarily part ways with their present top option but simply add. They’d loan or cash in on Elia Caprile in such a scenario.
Our Take on Napoli, Meret, and Kepa
It’s Groundhog Day for them between the sticks, as they have been in position for a few years. They need to decide whether they like the Italian shot-stopper enough and concur to a lengthy extension or put him for sale rather than avoid a Bosman departure. A few smaller sides would be happy to pay a decent buck to have him. Caprile was brilliant at Empoli, but they aren’t taking any chances with youngsters this summer.
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