Napoli are in talks with the agent of Alex Meret over extending the goalkeeper’s contract, according to Calciomercato, following strong interest from Everton earlier this summer.
Meret is set for a big year in the Serie A this term after displacing David Ospina as Luciano Spalletti’s first-choice. Injuries and occasionally haphazard form had hindered the Italian’s standing at the Stadio Diego Armanda Maradona, but is on course to be the number one.
The 24-year-old has featured prominently over the summer and should retain the gloves for Sunday’s Serie A opener against Venezia. Sporting Director Cristiano Giuntoli also believes now is the time for Napoli to begin discussing a new contract for Meret.
Giuntoli spoke with Meret’s agent, Federico Pastorello, recently to test the waters for a new deal. The two-cap international is currently only under contract until 2023 and earns just €1m-a-year (£16.5k-p/w). Any new terms would be certain to feature a pay rise.
Pastorello can point to Everton showing significant interest in signing Meret earlier this summer when discussing terms with Napoli. Udinese Blog noted in May that the Goodison Park outfit were desperate to sign him amid competition from Inter Milan and Roma.
Reports by Il Napoli also cited Everton as a potential suitor for Meret if the goalkeeper left Napoli. Although the Azzurri specialists noted former Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti was driving the Merseysiders’ interest before he re-joined Real Madrid.
Yet Ancelotti’s successor, Rafa Benitez, was also in the market for a new goalkeeper after joining Everton. But the Spaniard brought Asmir Begovic to Goodison Park from Bournemouth rather than follow his predecessor’s plans.
Pastorello to use Everton interest in Napoli talks over new Meret contract?
Ancelotti was seemingly intent on signing Meret from Napoli before leaving Everton, and reuniting with his former goalkeeper. The Italian kept 15 clean sheets over 37 games across all competitions under the now-Real Madrid boss while in charge of the Serie A outfit.
It was also under Ancelotti that Napoli signed Meret from Udinese on loan in 2018, before paying £20m in 2019. Ancelotti additionally waxed lyrical over the ‘special’ shot-stopper, via Football-Italia, so it was hardly surprising he wanted him at Everton.
Now, Pastorello can use the interest Everton showed to secure Meret a better contract at Napoli. Even if the Toffees may no longer want the goalkeeper, the Goodison Park outfit helped form his market this summer.
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