Spalletti urges Napoli to extend with Ospina amid Madrid interest

Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti wants David Ospina to stay at the club, extending his expiring contract, but Carlo Ancelotti is determined to bring the Colombia international to Madrid.

Ospina’s current deal at the Stadio Maradona runs out in the summer and the Partenopei didn’t seem willing to extend the goalkeeper’s stay at the club, mainly due to his age: 33 years old. However, Spalletti trusts Ospina and doesn’t want him to leave the club in the summer. Therefore, he has demanded the club offer a new contract to the Colombia international.

Ospina has been the regular starter in Serie A for Napoli this season, while Alex Meret, 25, played in Europa League.

According to Il Corriere dello Sport, Ospina has attracted interest from Real Madrid, Atalanta and Lazio. Ancelotti already coached the former Arsenal man in Naples and is determined to bring him to the Bernabeu, where he would become a back-up for Thibaut Courtois.

If Ospina eventually remains at the club, Meret will ask to leave. The two goalkeepers are on good terms, but Meret’s agent Federico Pastorello has recently clarified that his client will look elsewhere if he isn’t guaranteed a starting spot next season.