Italian giants Roma have opened talk with Arsenal over the loan of Polish goalkeeper, Wojciech Szczesny, according to Sky Sports. This potential departure of the goalkeeper will leave Petr Cech, David Ospina and Emilliano Martinez as the club's three 'keepers going into the 2015-16 season.
News of the potential move for Szczesny broke last night, but there were conflicting reports on the length of the loan and whether Roma would be able to buy the goalkeeper at the end of the loan spell. Currently both Sky Sports and the Daily Telegraph suggest that the loan will be one year, and there are rumours that Roma may be able to buy Szczensy for €5 million at the end of the deal.
Smoking controversy could have led to Szczesny's dropping from the team
Szczensy began the 2014-15 season as Arsenal's first team goalkeeper, but was replaced mid-season by David Ospina. Szczensy did, however, start Arsenal's 4-0 FA Cup final win over Aston Villa at Wembley in May. The arrival of Petr Cech from Chelsea in June further reduced his chances of playing, but Arsene Wenger did reiterate that he wanted all three goalkeepers to stay at the club, but "it is up to them".
The turning point for Szczesny seemed to come on New Years Day away to Southampton when his errors led to two goals before he was later caught smoking in the showers after the match. After that he was never really able to hold down a place in the first team, mainly due to the form of Ospina.
Szczensy made his Arsenal debut as a teenager and has played nearly 200 times for the Londoners, but he has been criticised by fans after poor performances. The Pole's loan could see him face Arsenal for the first time in his career as Roma are in the Champions League and could potentially face Arsenal in the group stage. Arsenal, though, may put in clauses that could stop him playing against his parent club in the eventuality that Arsenal and Roma meet in the Champions League.
