Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar can now cross one name off their shortlist at Arsenal – after he surprisingly announced his retirement.
The Gunners are still looking to do business before the transfer window closes on Friday 30th August – Arsenal could move to sign Nico Williams once Mikel Merino is announced.
Now – however – one option for Arsenal has retired…
Wojciech Szczesny retires amid Arsenal links
A story from the Evening Standard claimed that Wojciech Szczesny was on Arsenal’s shortlist this summer, as the Gunners prepare to offload Aaron Ramsdale and sign a replacement.
The Poland international was viewed as an attractive option by Arteta, given the fact he still qualifies as a homegrown option following his emergence from Hale End in 2009, and also boasts a wealth of experience with 432 club appearances and 84 caps for Poland under his belt.
Furthermore, Szczesny became an even more enticing option for Arsenal after Juventus terminated his contract, meaning he could be signed on a free transfer.
In a surprise turn of events – however – the Pole has now decided to retire from football.
Szczesny – who has been called a “world class” glovesman – announced the news on his official Instagram account, bringing an end to a 15-year career which saw him win two FA Cups with Arsenal, three Serie A titles with Juventus, the 2014 Premier League Golden Glove award and many other pieces of silverware.
Interestingly, Szczesny actually rejected a move to Al-Nassr earlier this summer, and has now decided to make himself unavailable to Arsenal by hanging up his gloves for good.
Most likely goalkeeper to replace Aaron Ramsdale at Arsenal
As things stand, Joan Garcia seems the most likely goalkeeper to replace Ramsdale.
Fabrizio Romano claims that Arsenal have already agreed personal terms with Garcia, although the Gunners are yet to shake hands on a fee with Espanyol for the Spaniard.
Nevertheless, Romano believes the Espanyol No.1 is the “priority target” for Arteta and Edu heading into transfer deadline day, with a bid expected to arrive shortly after Merino is announced.
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