With Petr Cech already 35 and David Ospina unreliable (in my opinion at least) and the Colombian likely to be sold this summer, it is obvious Arsenal could do with signing another goalkeeper, or at least the recall of Wojciech Szczęsny. The Polish goalkeeper has spent the last two seasons on loan at AS Roma.
Szczęsny, while on loan at Roma, was one of the best keepers in Europe last season. Unfortunately for Arsenal fans, if Italian journalist Gianluca di Marzio is to be believed, the Gunners are set to sell the Poland international to Juventus. Napoli, Inter Milan and Roma were all said to be interested in signing the former-Arsenal number one but it appears the chance to replace Gianluigi Buffon, who will likely retire at the end of next season, is too tempting for Szczęsny.
Gianluca di Marzio reckons the deal will be completed next season, which suggests it is at a very advanced stage. According to Di Marzio, Szczęsny will join his new teammates in the United States next week as well.
This transfer – if it happens – is, in my opinion, quite silly for the North London club. Arsenal sent Szczęsny on loan to Roma for the past two seasons so he could gain some experience. And, after gaining that experience, they are choosing to sell him for just a small sum – £10 million is being reported by Goal.com.
The deal makes no sense to me. I strongly believe it is more to do with reasons that are not football related than anything else. Szczęsny loves Arsenal and I doubt it is he who wants to leave. I would think it is Arsène Wenger who doesn’t want him any more. It is a guess but, knowing Wenger, it wouldn’t surprise me if I am spot on.
Should Szczęsny leave, it could mean David Ospina will be retained which, judging by last season, would be risky. The Colombian is a good shot stopper on his day but unfortunately he is off form more often than he is on it. There have also been strong rumours he could leave.
If Ospina is also sold, Wenger will probably rely on Emiliano Martínez and Matt Macey as second and third choice goalkeepers next season.
