When Petr Cech joined Arsenal last month it was evident that one of the current keepers has to make way at least for the short term and it has turned out be Wojciech Szczesny, who has been loaned out to Serie A side AS Roma on a season long deal with an option to buy at the end of the season.
The Polish keeper started last season as the Gunners No.1 but lost his place to David Ospina after the latter was caught smoking in the showers on the first game of the New Year. The Colombian took the opportunity by the scruff of it’s neck and has held onto the spot since, as Wojciech was limited to Cup appearances.
It was initially considered to be a huge warning from manager Arsene Wenger that the Polish International needs to concentrate on his game and such incidents would not be tolerated. But with the arrival of a World Class Goalkeeper in the form of Petr Cech for 11 million pounds, Arsene Wenger had to choose 2 out of his 3 keepers. With Ospina proving himself that he had made no mistake to be dropped, both on and off the field, the answer was pretty clear.
In his interview to Roma’s Official Website, Szczesny spoke about how Wenger influenced his decision in joining the Italian outfit. He said:
“Once the offer from Roma came in, I spoke to Arsene Wenger and he told me that it would be a fantastic move for me to join Roma and play in the Champions League and fight for the title. He also told how good a coach Rudi Garcia is.”
So it’s confirmed that Wojciech Szczesny is not going to play for the North London club this season. It is such a hard sight for the fans to see a young prospect leave on loan because of a foolish mistake. Not to forget, he shared the Golden Glove with new signing Petr Cech in the 2013/14 season.
There was never an issue with his talent but it’s his off field activities that have often let him down. With Cech signing we now have a keeper who will fight for the No.1 spot for at least few more years and with Martinez occupying the junior most position, there is only one spot left.
So the only way back for Szczesny is to displace Ospina which won’t be easy if we go by the Colombian’s performances last season. It would take an excellent season in Italy for the Pole to have a chance of returning to London, else I don’t see him returning to the Emirates.
