Arsenal keeper David Ospina set for permanent Napoli transfer after loan expires
ARSENAL keeper David Ospina is expected to seal a permanent move to Napoli - despite falling short on playing enough to trigger an automatic transfer this summer.
Ospina spent last season on loan with the Serie A side after it became clear his chances to play for the Gunners were slim.
As part of the initial agreement a clause was inserted which meant Napoli would automatically have to make the move permanent if the Colombian stopper made 24 appearances.
Ospina, 30, actually appeared 24 times - meaning the Italian side were not obliged to stump up the £3.1million fee agreed with Arsenal at the start of the campaign.
That fuelled speculation boss Carlo Ancelotti did not want to sign Ospina full-time.
But it appears that is not the case and reports in Italy suggest Ancelotti does want to strike a deal with the Gunners for the goalkeeper.
Ospina is thought to be keen to remain in Naples, where he believes he has better chances to play regular first team football.
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Though Petr Cech has retired, Bernd Leno is the clear first choice at the Emirates - and they are likely to promote Emiliano Martinez to the first team squad as back-up after an impressive loan spell at Reading.
But Napoli are still trying to agree a final price for Opsina, who is currently with the Colombia side at the Copa America.
As a result they are trying to persuade Arsenal to reduce their asking price below £3m, with the player keen to make the move.