Romano confirms Arsenal's transfer plans are in tatters

Tom Weber

• Updated: 30 Oct 2024 16:37 GMT
• 3 min read

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Alex Meret is in talks with Napoli over a contract extension.

The Italian goalkeeper has impressed in Serie A in recent seasons and is the undisputed No.1 at Napoli under Antonio Conte. Meret returned to the pitch at the weekend after an adductor injury had sidelined him and he has kept two clean sheets since his return.

On Tuesday, Napoli beat AC Milan 2-0 to cement their place at the top of Serie A, with Meret keeping his fifth clean sheet in his seventh league game this season.

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The 27-year-old's performances have not only been crucial to Napoli but they have also attracted the attention of other sides. FootballTransfers exclusively revealed earlier this month that Arsenal have begun taking a keen interest in Meret due to the impasse they reached in talks with Espanyol over Joan Garcia.

Arsenal had tried in vain to sign the Spaniard in the summer and talks continued beyond Deadline Day, but the LaLiga side are refusing to budge and keep insisting on the Gunners paying his €30 million release clause, which they have no intention of doing.

Meret set for new Napoli deal

However, Arsenal may ultimately have to cough up the money for Garcia because it is looking increasingly unlikely that they will be able to get their hands on Meret.

The Italian is out of contract in the summer and Napoli have been in talks with him over a contract extension for weeks. Already some time ago, local media revealed that the goalkeeper was close to agreeing terms, with only the length of the deal posing an issue.

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Now, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that talks are ongoing. Meret had wanted a guaranteed contract until 2028, while Napoli initially proposed a deal until 2027 with the possibility for a further year and the transfer expert has corroborated that both options are on the table.

A deal still does not seem to be completely wrapped up, but Napoli are evidently making good progress. A move to Arsenal likely won't materialise anytime soon.