The Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina could be moving out of the club but still staying in the Premier League for the upcoming season.
The Colombia national goal keeper is believed to be looking for a way out after the arrival of Petr Cech put his first team chances at risk. And the latest reports coming from the Colombian press indicate that the Everton manager Roberto Martinez is interested in his availability.
Ospina became Wenger’s first choice towards the end of last season. The 26-year-old understands that the experience and long standing form in the Premier League will propel Cech as Arsenal’s new number 1. This could mean staying at the club and accepting lesser game time or looking for new pastures.
The Toffees could be looking for a new keeper as their veteran Number One Tim Howard will soon be turning 37. Martinez could be looking to cash in on the American and boost his squad.
At the same time, there were reports published in the Telegraph, that Ospina will be fighting for his future at the club. Ospina hinted that he’s looking to impress the manager and challenge Cech for his place.
Ospina is given an extended break following his games for Colombia in the just concluded Copa America. He had a wonderful tournament and it looked as if he wanted to show his array of talents to Wenger and all. There was reported interest from Fenerbahce for the shot stopper but nothing is confirmed yet.
That leaves Wenger with a choice of three goal keepers in Cech, Wojciech Szczesny and Ospina. Szczesny lost his first-choice status last season to Ospina after a string of bad performances. He is also reportedly not looking for options elsewhere.
So, will Wenger be happy to keep all the three goal keepers? It is an interesting dilemma and a happy headache for the manager. Ospina staying put to challenge for first place could be good news for the Gunners faithful but bad news for Szczesny. This could mean a big threat to his place in the squad if Wenger decides to keep Ospina.
Any decision on the future of Ospina will have to wait for a couple of weeks before the Colombian joins back with the Gunners. If the interest of Everton is genuine, it may be tempting; both for Ospina and Arsenal.
Do you think Ospina should stay at the club rather than Szczesny? Will Wenger be happy to sell him to one of the Premier League teams?
Sridhar