There had been a fair few rumours surrounding Arsenal’s goalkeepers this summer, about who would stay and who would leave. Although there are a few certainties about those staying and those leaving, David Ospina is one player who has had his future cast in doubt.
Ospina played second fiddle to Petr Cech last season and whilst he played a number of games in the cup competitions, his only real run in the Premier League came in Petr Cech’s absence. It led Ospina to supposedly consider his future at the club and he was even linked with a £4 million move to Turkish side Fenerbahce. However it seems as if his future has been cleared up now as the Colombian is adamant his wants to remain at the club and fight for his place.
Speaking whilst on pre-season, Ospina showed his willingness to compete for the number one spot by saying: “I have a contract with Arsenal, I’m happy with the team. We are fighting for the top of the league.
“Now we have two weeks until we start the season. These friendlies serve us very well.”
Although I think he will have little luck in displacing Petr Cech anytime soon, it seems as if he has beaten Wojciech Szczesny and co into being the club’s number two. It’s also likely that he will remain above the likes of Martinez, Macey and Huddart.
Ospina will be hoping that he can at least challenge Cech to a run in the Premier League, however in reality I think it’ll be another year of cup competitions for the Colombian. Ospina has proven on occasion to be a fantastic goalkeeper, especially when it comes to playing with his international side. However at Arsenal he has a knack of making easy mistakes and I think his inconsistencies will be what stops him from becoming Arsenal’s number one.
Elsewhere Wojciech Szczesny continues to be linked with a move away having not featured in Arsenal’s pre season tour. Szczesny has been linked with a move to Roma all summer after spending last season on loan with the Italian side. At the moment however the Polish international goalkeeper is being linked with a move that will conduct a transfer fee of £13 million plus!
Will Ospina be able to displace Cech in good time?
By AH