David Ospina’s father has confirmed that the player wants to sign for Napoli on a permanent deal after his loan with the Italians concludes.

PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 24: David Ospina of Napoli celebrates his sides second goal during the Group C match of the UEFA Champions League between Paris Saint-Germain and SSC Napoli at Parc des Princes on October 24, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 24: David Ospina of Napoli celebrates his sides second goal during the Group C match of the UEFA Champions League between Paris Saint-Germain and SSC Napoli at Parc des Princes on October 24, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

This is far from the first time that Ospina has been linked with a permanent move to Napoli after impressing there this season. It does, however, warm my heart to read anything that hints he might be finally leaving for good.

Hernan Ospina was speaking to Radio Marte in the wake of another transfer-fuelled misunderstanding by the media. His quotes have also been through Google translate so, you know what that means…

He said, “I am very sorry for what happened, this rumor came out that I would said that the other keepers of Naples were scarce, but I never said this, I only spoke about my son, my statements have been misinterpreted.

“Napoli has all good goalkeepers, on the other hand, they play in a great team like Napoli, which is normal, they are three excellent goalkeepers.

“We want to close this purchase option, in Naples there is a beautiful environment, the team plays well and there are great players, he is the representative in Italy of all of Colombia, we hope for this redemption because David wants to continue make this Naples grow.”

Speaking just over a week ago, Ospina admitted that playing for Carlo Ancelotti had given him ‘confidence’.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 11: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool is foiled by David Ospina of Napoli during the UEFA Champions League Group C match between Liverpool and SSC Napoli at Anfield on December 11, 2018 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 11: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool is foiled by David Ospina of Napoli during the UEFA Champions League Group C match between Liverpool and SSC Napoli at Anfield on December 11, 2018 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

The goalkeeper who has taken to the field for Napoli, like Wojciech Szczesny for Roma and then Juventus, is a completely different beast than the shambolic wasteman who stood in goal for Arsenal during his time in London.

That is perhaps no surprise now that he has been set free of the poison that was Gerry Peyton’s coaching. But it could also be to do with the less physical nature of Italian football.

Whatever the reason, Ospina looks finally set to end his stay as an Arsenal player this summer with a permanent move to Naples and he has been speaking to the media in his home nation.

“I am very happy to be at the side of a coach like Carlos Ancelotti, who has given me confidence and I am taking full advantage of it since perseverance allows you to improve every day and that helps you to be in top condition,” he said.

Back in December, La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Napoli Sport) claimed that the Napoli chairman, Aurelio De Laurentiis, is considering activating the €3.5m option-to-buy in Ospina’s contract in January.

The Serie A side don’t have to make a decision until June but they’re reportedly moving early due to Alex Meret’s injury at the start of the season and ‘physical problems’ since.