Wojciech Szczesny has been tipped to make a shock return to the Emirates, as per reports in Mirror and some Arsenal fans have reacted skeptically to this update.
The 31-year-old joined Juventus back in 2017 for a fee of around £12.8million and has played 137 games, keeping 54 clean sheets(via transfermarkt) for the Italian side.
Bernd Leno has come under scrutiny for his recent performances and the German is also reportedly up for sale this summer. This could prove favorable for the former keeper to make a return to north London.
The Polish keeper has been a consistent performer for the Bianconeri and is widely considered one of Serie A’s best. However, the Mirror states that the Italian giants are eyeing a move for AC Milan’s Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The Italian is a free agent this summer but could demand hefty wages. In order to free up some funds, Juventus would be willing to part ways with Szczesny. With the Old Lady of Turin keen on getting rid of the Polish keeper, it’s unlikely they’ll ask for an outlandish fee.
The report further claims that Arteta has identified the goalkeeper position as one of the areas that need strengthening and signing the Polish keeper would be an affordable way to do so.
Szczesny has revealed on multiple occasions that he misses the north London club. He told the Arsenal Nation Podcast last year:
“I miss them [his former teammates]. I miss playing at the Emirates. I think that was something special for me, the quality of the pitch, the fans, the big nights in a north London derby.”
This is how some fans reacted on Twitter:
Over 30 ✅ , finished player ✅ and ex arsenal ✅
getting a 5 yr contact isn’t he 🥳
— Ryan (@ryxnafc) May 31, 2021
Home grown & upgrade on leno. All for it
— William (fan account) (@OzilThings) May 31, 2021
why do we let our best players leave when they’re at their primes to get them back when they’re finished
— ben (@KeyZowBR) May 31, 2021
Nah man please no
— MichaelGunner (@GunnersFCARS) May 31, 2021
Why buy him when we can have matt ryan for free?
— Cirez D (@Sterlinho77) May 31, 2021
Come home Big Szczes
— Call me Rakim (@TheRealDjRakim) June 1, 2021
This can’t happen would be the worst day of my life would be like selling Xhaka and he came back
— Ali (@Mercs107s) June 1, 2021
No man 🤦🏾♂️
— Z ☕ (@ZicoAfc) May 31, 2021
Arsenal Fever View
If Donnarumma signs for Juventus, Szczesny would likely lose his no.1 spot. The Polish keeper would not be content on being demoted. So, he will have to find a solution, and returning to his former club is one of them.
The former Arsenal shot-stopper was not the most consistent player in his previous spell in north London. He may have some convincing to do to win over Arsenal’s fans again, but if the keeper manages to carry over his form from Italy, it will certainly help. He would also count as a homegrown player after coming through Arsenal’s academy, which adds to his appeal.
Arsenal should be looking for a young keeper rather than re-signing a 31-year-old player. Although Szczesny could be a good short-term solution for the Gunners, he does not add value to the squad in the long run unless the club are planning to let go of Bernd Leno.
