Italian side Napoli are looking at the possibility of securing Real Madrid’s Spanish goalkeeper Diego Lopez in the summer transfer window, claim reports in Spain from Mundo Deportivo.
Napoli have yet to secure a long-term replacement for Morgan De Sanctis, who left Naples to join Roma last summer, as they only acquired Jose Reina on a season-long loan deal.
Although Aurelio De Laurentiis, owner of Napoli, has recently hinted at the possibility of Reina’s stay at the San Paolo being extended, no formal offer has been made for the Spaniard.
Lopez arrived at Los Blancos in January last year under Jose Mourinho, who opted to place the 32-year-old in year the starting line-up ahead of fan favourite Iker Casillas – causing much unrest amongst Real Madrid supporters.
Many believed that with the addition of a new manager, Carlo Ancelotti, Casillas would return to the starting eleven this season. However, that has not been the case.
Casillas has continued to be nothing more than a substitute goalkeeper, only receiving occasional appearances in cup competitions, but has consistently performed well when called upon.
With Casillas still at the club Lopez’ future will always be uncertain, as although the former was subject to many transfer rumours in January, he continued to stay at the club, who may eventually, to appease fans, see fit to cash-in on Lopez and re-install Casillas as their number one goalkeeper.
I think Napoli is a perfect destination for Lopez. I don’t think any keeper would have an easy time replacing a legend like Casillas but he has been the consummate professional despite unrest by the fans. Napoli would be a place where he would be praised and relieved from the scrutiny he has been subject too over his time at Real.