'Carlo Ancelotti wants to take' Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret to Everton this summer, journalist Umberto Chiarello has told Area Napoli.

Chiarello expects Meret to cost in the region of £17 million and suggested that the move is 'likely' to go through.

Ancelotti oversaw Meret's development in Naples and has already rekindled relationships with midfielders Allan and James Rodriguez at Goodison Park.

Meret would probably come in as back-up to Jordan Pickford at first. The Toffees' current number two, Robin Olsen, is only on a season-long loan from AS Roma, so as things stand a replacement will be needed this summer.

Who is Alex Meret?

Italian 'keeper Meret has made 68 appearances for Napoli, keeping 21 clean sheets. He has one cap for his country, which came in November 2019.

Napoli manager Gennaro Gattuso has rotated Meret with veteran Colombian David Ospina over the course of the season - Meret has played 12 Serie A matches, but his run in the team has only once extended beyond two games.

The 24-year-old has conceded 17 league goals from a post-shot xG (expected goals) of 14.8, which perhaps explains why he's struggled to nail down his spot (via FB Ref).

Meret does come with the recommendation of the great Gianluigi Buffon, who said he was 'exciting' (via Football Italia) to watch as he broke into the Napoli side.

Transfer Tavern verdict

Meret would be a reasonably good back-up, but he's not yet done enough to suggest he could challenge Pickford and be the long-term number one.

£17 million would therefore be way too big an outlay in this market, especially considering the bargain swoop last year for Olsen, which secured an experienced goalkeeper's services for the season for virtually nothing.

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