As per Football Transfers, Arsenal are looking to sign Napoli shot-stopper Alex Meret in 2025 as a long-term backup for number one keeper David Raya.
The 27-year-old has been a mainstay in Antonio Conte’s starting XI and has accumulated five appearances this season. He has shown incredible reflexes at the back since moving to the club in 2019, with his brave display helping them lift the Scudetto in the 2022/23 season.
The Italian star’s contract expires next year, meaning the other clubs can initiate talks with him in January to enter into a pre-agreement. The player has an additional one-year extension option in his contract, and it could be triggered if he wants to continue playing under the new boss.
Could Meret play a second fiddle to Raya?
From the current scenario, we expect that Meret might think of extending his contract as he can be a regular in the Serie A for years to come. Arsenal and Tottenh*m Hotsp*r are interested in the player, but the chances of landing the Napoli ace remain uncertain.
Meret might ignore moving to the Emirates Stadium if he is made to play as a second fiddle to Raya. Obviously losing his best seat in Italy and playing as a backup is something no player would want.
Alex Meret’s agent: “We are talking with Napoli for a contract extension. Let’s see what happens.”
The goalkeeper has asked for a new contract until 2028. [@NicoSchira]
📸 @sscnapoli #TheGoalpostNews #SSCNapoli #Napoli #Transfers #TransferNews pic.twitter.com/eFxPtyUMLg
— The Goalpost (@TGoalpost) October 14, 2024
The North London outfit are flying in the Premier League this season as they remain unbeaten with 17 points (third spot), level on points with Manchester City in the table.
They have Raya to thank, as the undisputed starter threw some world-class performances, with his best coming save against Champions League foes Atalanta. His excellent form helped him appear regularly for Spain, and who knows, he might even dethrone Unai Simon as the country’s No. 1 keeper.
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It was quite clear that Mikel Arteta preferred the Spanish star over Aaron Ramsdale. The latter was allowed to switch alliances to Southampton for a £25 million fee (fixed plus add-ons) this summer.
They roped in Bournemouth star Neto on loan as a short-term backup for Raya. But their issues remain largely unsolved, as they need to get a player who can add value for a longer time.
Joan Garcia is a better fit for Arsenal
The Gunners were keen admirers of Espanyol star Joan Garcia last summer but were unable to meet the La Liga side’s transfer demands.
The English giants offered £17m, which was way less than Periquitos’s £25m ask. However, it is widely believed that Garcia was Arteta’s top choice, and he remains their favourite target next year.
Joan García may have missed out on an Arsenal transfer this summer, but it’s only a matter of time before he leaves Espanyol for one of the biggest clubs in Europe.
Really solid display today at the Bernabéu…does very well to absorb power and not let shots skid away from him. pic.twitter.com/WHtDcswbLL
— Zach Lowy (@ZachLowy) September 21, 2024
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They can sign him if they convince the newly promoted Spanish side to sell their prized asset for a cheaper fee. He is a younger alternative and might find it alluring to grow under Arteta and Arsenal’s goalkeeper coach, Inaki Cana.
We believe that Garcia has a higher chance to move to England than Napoli star Meret.
