Meret cost cranked up to €35m

By Football Italia staff

Udinese have cranked Alex Meret’s price-tag up to €35m, so Napoli and Roma are turning towards Paris Saint-Germain’s Alphonse Areola.

The Friulani had originally been expected to ask for €20m, but the interest in the 21-year-old shot-stopper escalated rapidly over the last few days.

Fiorentina saw themselves leapfrogged in the running by Roma and Napoli, but Sky Sport Italia claim this has created a bidding war.

Udinese aim to take full advantage and are now demanding €35m for Meret.

Considering he has just 13 Serie A appearances under his belt, all on loan with SPAL, these clubs are not prepared to meet the price.

It is the same fee that they have been quoted by PSG for Areola, who is still young at 25 and has far more experience, including in the Champions League.

Roma and Napoli hope to whittle that price down a little, as Areola’s contract is due to expire next summer.

He would also not be happy to take a back-seat role if Gianluigi Buffon arrives from Juventus.

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