Is Wojciech Szczesny Finished at Arsenal?

Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny is considering a permanent move to AS Roma

AS Roma loanee Wojciech Szczesny recently revealed he’s eyeing a return to parent club Arsenal when his spell at the Stadio Olimpico comes to an end in the summer. However, the Polish international faces stiff competition in the Gunners’ side with the likes of Petr Cech and David Ospina currently ahead of him in the pecking order. So is Szczesny’s future sealed with Arsenal?

From a young fringe player to a first-choice Arsenal star

Signed from Legia in 2006 for just £35K, Wojciech Szczesny lined out the fairytale story of being a youth player who worked his way through the ranks to become an eventual first-choice goalkeeper. He looked up to the likes of Jen Lehmann, and would go on to rise up the pecking order against worthy adversaries Vito Mannone, Lukasz Fabianski and Manuel Almunia.

One of the best moments of his career will have been joint-winning the Golden Glove with then-Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, of whom has since kicked him out of the Arsenal side, and Szczesny has a difficult decision to make on where his future lies. The long-serving star recently admitted his love for Arsenal, but also revealed how welcoming AS Roma have been since the temporary move.

Surplus to Arsenal, wanted by AS Roma

Roma are said to be keen to sign the 25-year-old on a permanent deal when his loan move comes to an eng, but Szczesny is torn. It’s been his lifelong dream to become Arsenal’s long-term first-choice between the sticks, but it’s highly unlikely he will dethrone Cech. The Pole has become a regular for the Italian Serie A title-chasers, and has great potential on the grand stage.

Wojciech Szczesny admitted he would leave Arsenal with a heavy heart, but also knows he needs to be playing regular football. He won’t make a decision on his future until after next summer’s European Championships, but is currently on course for league honours with Roma which could swing his decision.

Petr Cech has many years ahead of him Arsenal, and will remain first-choice unless his form drastically spiralled. Szczesny can hardly take the risk of sitting on the bench waiting for game time at his age, and he stands a great opportunity of being a top Serie A shot-stopper with a side challenging for major honours. The 25-year-old’s decision could also rest on Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who is yet to reveal where the goalkeeper’s future will lie in the summer.

David Ospina was a safe pair of hands for the Gunners when Szczesny lost his place for error-strewn performances, and the Colombian counterpart has been a trusty shot-stopper, featuring in the Champions League and domestic cups this season.

So where does Wojciech Szczesny’s future lie?