Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has struggled for consistent form this season, prompting the club to seek out a replacement for next season.
Despite being a stalwart between the sticks for Spurs for many years, the Frenchman has kept just two clean sheets since October, leaving Antonio Conte unimpressed by his performances.
Now, it seems that Tottenham have lined up Napoli shot-stopper Alex Meret as someone who could be their new number one, who they reportedly contacted in January.
It’s no secret that Conte, along with Spurs director of football have been looking for a new keeper. Brentford’s David Raya has been previously ‘considered,‘ along with Everton’s Jordan Pickford.
But if these latest reports are to be believed, Meret is now at the top of their shortlist.
Both Lloris and Meret have 18 months remaining on their current deals, which means that summer departures for them are becoming increasingly likely.
Federico Pastorello, Meret’s agent, said last month that there has been interest from the Premier League, but didn’t say which clubs were looking at his client.
Now, Italian journalist Ciro Venerato has revealed the current state of play regarding the Italy international’s future.
Speaking on 1 Station Radio, via Tutto Napoli, he said: “Meret’s future? There is no news.
“Meeting with the agent, Pastorello, at the end of the season, so we will understand if there will be a need to renew or go elsewhere.
“Tottenham are interested in the boy, a club that has also contacted the boy’s entourage in this market.”
Replacing Lloris makes sense for Spurs after poor run of form
Interestingly, Venerato also said that Napoli have already lined up their own replacement, suggesting a summer bid from Tottenham is looking fairly likely.
He added: “[Guglielmo] Vicario [could be] Alex’s possible successor.
“The Caprile option, on the other hand, will depend on Gollini’s future redemption, and will cover the deputy goalkeeper of Meret or Vicario.”
Since arriving at Tottenham in 2012, Lloris has amassed 442 appearances across all competitions and has been key to their recent success.
He was also a key figure in the Mauricio Pochettino side that reached the Champions League final in 2019.
However, as mentioned, Lloris has been uncharacteristically poor this season, which is particularly surprising given he performed well for France at the World Cup.
In 20 league appearances this season, Lloris has kept just six clean sheets for Spurs. He has also made a couple of terrible blunders, the most memorable coming against Aston Villa, straight after the World Cup break.
As a result, Conte has been left unconvinced by the Frenchman’s performances, recently leaving him out of Tottenham’s recent FA Cup clash against Preston North End in favour of starting Fraser Forster.
If the Italian manager does opt to replace Lloris next season, Meret could be a potentially excellent option.
The Napoli keeper has conceded just 15 goals in 20 league appearances this season and has made some outstanding saves – playing a starring role for his team, who currently sit 13 points clear at the top of Serie A.
Source: teamtalk
