Marco Amelia says Napoli have signed David Ospina on loan because of the Arsenal loanee’s similarities to Pepe Reina.

Napoli brought the 29-year-old Colombian to Italy for a one-year loan on the Serie A transfer deadline day. Although it’s only a temporary move for now, they have an option-to-buy in the deal which they’ll likely activate, depending on how this season goes.

Former goalkeeper Marco Amelia explained to Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli why he thinks the Italian side have gone for the Arsenal ‘keeper.

“Napoli chose Ospina because he is reminiscent of Pepe Reina,” Amelia said. “He also helps pass the ball around along with the defence and becomes useful if there is pressing on the defenders. He is a little shorter than most goalkeepers, but that only matters to a certain degree, as he has very quick reflexes.

“However, foreign goalkeepers tend to take a little while to adapt to Serie A and he has to improve when coming off his line. If Ospina is able to settle in quickly, he can be a great addition to the squad.”

Reina left Napoli for AC Milan on a free transfer in May, with the deal officially going through on the 2nd July. After three years of 37 league appearances a season, his departure certainly left a hole in the team. Alex Meret was initially supposed to fill it, but after breaking a bone in his arm, Napoli brought in Ospina as a secondary replacement.

Whether the Arsenal loanee can nail down a starting spot now remains to be seen. If he can, he’s likely to want to stick around, and Napoli will probably activate their option-to-buy at the end of the season.

If he spends as much much time on the sidelines as he did at Arsenal though, neither party is likely to be particularly happy for him to stay. We’ll see.