Arsenal goalkeeper David Opsina’s contract situation at Napoli has led to much confusion amongst supporters in England and Italy.
The 30-year-old Arsenal goalkeeper is on loan at Napoli where he has played 17 times in Serie A keeping five clean sheets.
Conflicting reports have emerged this month over Ospina’s future in Italy. Marca reported last week that Ospina was on his way back to Arsenal despite meeting the contractual obligation for Napoli to sign him permanently.
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According to Marca, Arsenal and Napoli had agreed on 25 appearances in all competitions would be needed to trigger a permanent deal.
Six days after Marca’s report, Arseblog claimed Ospina hadn’t met the contractual clause but Napoli would still try to sign the Arsenal goalkeeper on a permanent contract regardless.
Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina in confusing Italian job
Ospina has in fact, only played 24 times for Napoli this season and it appears Napoli will sit the goalkeeper out for the next two Serie A games to keep from meeting the 25 appearances.
The club does not want to pay the agreed fee for Ospina fulfilling the loan deal.
Napoli do want to work out a separate transfer for the Colombian and bring him back next season.
It is believed Arsenal will gladly move Ospina to Napoli in the summer. Napoli’s highly rate 22-year-old Alex Meret will most likely start in goal next term at the San Paolo.
The Italians want Ospina to back up the young goalkeeper. Meret has appeared in 21 games in all competitions for Napol keeping nine clean sheets this term.
In April, Ospina stated he wants to stay at Napoli to continue his career.
Arsenal goalkeeper situation
Bernd Leno has become Arsenal’s undisputed No. 1 in the Premier League this season. Veteran goalkeeper Petr Cech will retire following Arsenal’s Europa League Final against Chelsea.
Arsenal do not have another goalkeeper listed in their first team and Ospina could return to fill the role as back up to Leno.
Macedonian goalkeeper Dejan Iliev has played with Arsenal’s under-23 team this season appearing in 17 Premier League 2 games. He kept five clean sheets for the Gunners. Iliev also appeared in four EFL Trophy games.
With Cech retiring, Arsenal may recall Ospina as back up at the Emirates rather than giving Iliev the role.
