Serie A leaders Napoli have been urged not to sell Alex Meret this summer with Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur in pursuit of a new goalkeeper.
While Victor Osimhen, Kim Min-Jae and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia remain the posterboys of this Luciano Spalletti-directed blockbuster at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, do not underestimate Meret’s importance to what is becoming an all-star ensemble piece.
Meret, the three-time Italy international, is finally living up to his £30 million price-tag, five years after arriving from Udinese. He has stepped up to the plate following the departure of David Ospina, featuring in 38 games across all competitions; Napoli cruising towards the Scudetto and dreaming of Champions League glory.
And while Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia remain the first name on the lips of casual observers, former Napoli shot-stopper Matteo Gionello believes that the role of Meret in this remarkable Partonopei tale should not go under the radar.
Tottenham like Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret
“Meret? Titles are won, first of all, in defence,” Gionello tells Radio Kiss Kiss.
“In unsuspecting times, I said that Napoli had signed a goalkeeper for the next 10 years. He is a goalkeeper of the highest level. Wearing the Napoli shirt is not easy. And, this year, he is reaping what he has sown in previous years.
“If I were in Napoli, I wouldn’t let him leave. He is also the goalkeeper for the future. He’s is more consistency and greater harmony with the squad. He has found security and maturity.”
With Fraser Forster aged 35 and Hugo Lloris even older, Tottenham will prioritise a new number one this summer. Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili, Porto’s Diogo Costa and Brentford contract-rebel David Raya are among those linked.
NapoliCalcioLive, however, believe Meret is currently the club’s first choice. Tottenham have enjoyed success when delving into the Serie A market of late; Dejan Kulusevski, Ivan Perisic Cristian Romero and Rodrigo Bentancur all arriving over the last two years.
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