Are Arsenal looking to sell Szczesny? by AH
According to reports The Gunners are looking to ship former number one goalkeeper Wojiciech Szczesny out of the club this summer, with Roma being the firm favourites to sign him!
Polish international Szczesny has been on Arsenal’s books since he was a youngster and broke into the first team after injuries to Arsenal’s three first team goalkeepers, in Almunia, Fabianski and Mannone (oh those were the days!) Szczesny had had an impressive spell at Brentford and when called upon he did not disappoint for the Gunners. After holding down the number one spot for a few seasons, his name soon became covered in controversy. This was after it was found that he was caught smoking in the showers after a loss at St Mary’s and he was consequently dropped. Szczesny’s inconsistencies did not help his cause either.
Such was the case, Arsene Wenger snapped up Petr Cech from Chelsea last summer and Szczesny was sent packing to Rome out on loan. It was perceived that he was simply being loaned to gain experience and come back as a stronger and better goalkeeper, however today’s report by Sky Sports suggests perhaps the Gunners are looking to sell him. Sky Sports quote a £15 million price tag for Szczesny, who has had a relatively average season in goal for the Italians.
It seems like a high price and on one hand I think that it may suggest that perhaps Wenger doesn’t ideally want to lose him unless a good offer comes in, but one the other hand it wouldn’t surprise me if that’s what the club just values Szczesny at!
Personally I don’t think Szczesny should be permanently shipped out, because although he’s had his fair share of issues and inconsistencies with the club, there is no doubt in his passion for Arsenal and that he does have talent that is still waiting to be nurtured. The issue is getting the most out of what talent he has. I think some time at the club behind the experience of Cech would really benefit our Polish international stopper.
It’s a problem that is going to divide Arsenal fans I’m sure, but although there is no doubt Cech will be Arsenal’s number one for at least the next few years to come, is Szczesny prepared to wait so long to regain his place at the club he loves?
By AH