With transfer rumors swirling around the departures of Wojciech Szczesny and David Ospina to Juventus and Fenerbahce respectively, Martinez Emiliano remains the only viable option for the Gunners as far as bench strength is concerned.
This remains a source of concern for the fans as both the keepers are top class and it will be a massive loss for the club should either or even one of them depart. A solid argument in their favour is the fact that both goalkeepers are worthy Number 1’s.
However with World class and Guinness book of records goalie Petr Cech ahead of them, only a substitute role exists for either player at least for the next few years.
This leads to the inevitable question; “Who should remain at the Emirates?” To effectively answer this question, a closer assessment is required.
Wojciech Szczesny has been at the club long enough to be considered a product of Arsenal’s ideology. Furthermore, he has manned the number-1 spot at the Emirates for a while before the Southampton-locker room incident and eventual loan away to Roma in Italy.
During his reign as numero-uno with Arsenal, his displays were mostly impressive, confident and daring whilst on some occasions, his lack of concentration was detrimental to the team as they conceded meaningless goals eventually dropping valuable points.
His enthusiasm on and off the pitch has over the years endeared to a large section of the fans. His ability to troll rivals (especially Spurs) on social media made him even more aligned to the fans.
During his loan spell, the young Polish star managed to take his clean sheets tally to double figures last season thereby ensuring Champions League place for his team. Considering that it was his second loan spell, makes the feat even more impressive as he didn’t achieve as much the first time around before his services were retained.
A very adventurous and funloving young man, Szczesny has certainly made impressed many with his goalkeeping antics over the past 2 years but it remains to be seen whether he has done enough to retain his place.
His comments post-loan concerning his future, may not play in his favour as the 27 year old via his agent has categorically requested for talks before deciding on a move to Juventus. History has shown Arsene Wenger does not react well to ultimatums.
David Ospina as well has definitely endeared himself to the fans by his on-pitch displays after he was brought in to steady the tide during Szczesny reign as Number-1. He certainly caught the eye of observers due to his displays for Colombia during the 2014 World Cup.
A very reliable and astute professional, David Ospina is definitely a player any team would love to have between the sticks. His awareness and “spidey sense” is second to none as he as shown time and again with his incredible saves and “Kodak Moment” moves.
He played a massive role in ensuring The Gunners topped their group in the 2016/17 Champions League campaign despite having PSG in the group. Wenger showed a lot of faith in the Colombian by benching Cech even in high profile games during the course of the competition and Ospina delivered.
Since joining the North London club, he has been involved in securing 2 competitive trophies. He played a starring role in the last FA Cup win against League Champions Chelsea.
Every time he strides towards the ball on a goal kick, a loud roar of OOOOOOOOsssssPinAAA!!!… is heard from the fans. That clearly serves as an indicator as to how much the fans love him and appreciate his efforts every time he is on the pitch.
There is no doubt The Gunners like anyone else would love to keep both players but the reality is, one or even both of them will have a very unhappy stay. Hence, the question “who is to stay” is one that is better left to the management.
