Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, 26, is set to return to AS Roma for another season-long loan. This time though, the Italian club are close to agreeing the option of making the deal permanent with a £15m next summer.
The Pole endured another painful European Championships as injury offered his former team-mate, Lukasz Fabianski, 31, the gloves during his country’s run to the Euro 2016 quarter-finals. Szczesny was sent off in Poland’s opening game of their ill-fated Euro 2012 campaign and never played again as they crashed out at the group stage.
He made his Premier League debut for Arsenal at Old Trafford in December 2010 and despite the 0 – 1 defeat, performed well enough to retain his place in the starting line-up. It was the beginning of what was believed to be a bright future but patchy form in 2014 and 2015 raised questions over his abilities.
The breaking point came after a 0 – 2 defeat at Southampton in January 2015. Having been at fault for both goals, Szczesny was caught smoking in the showers and fined £20,000. It was too much for Arsene Wenger who dropped him to the bench for the rest of the season.
Moving to Roma has re-ignited his career and with the Italians keen after a string of fine performances last season, a permanent move away from the Emirates is more likely than ever.
As his career ends, another begins. Arsenal have completed the signing of Japanese striker, Takuma Asano, 21. Arsene Wenger has noted he is “one for the future” but with the strict work permit regulations imposed by the FA and British government, Asano is likely to be loaned out to a European club next season.
Highly thought of in his homeland, the youngster has been capped by the national team five teams with one goal to his name.
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