Arsenal are now considering a move to sign someone Arsene Wenger allowed to leave the Emirates Stadium in 2017.
The Gunners have offloaded a number of players who have gone on to shine elsewhere, such as Serge Gnabry – now at Bayern Munich – and Ismael Bennacer, who is a key man for AC Milan.
However, there is another who left Arsenal under Arsene Wenger before developing into one of Europe’s best – and Mikel Arteta could now bring him back to north London…
Arsenal consider Wojciech Szczesny move
A story by the Evening Standard now claims that Wojciech Szczesny is on Arsenal’s radar.
Crucially, the Poland international is still classed as a homegrown player after emerging from Hale End in 2009, which is primarily why he is on the mind of Arteta.
The Evening Standard explain how the Gunners expect to lose Aaron Ramsdale this summer after the England international slipped behind David Raya in the pecking order, and hope to replace the homegrown glovesman with another homegrown option.
Premier League rules state that clubs must have at least eight homegrown players in their squad.
With doubts over the futures of Eddie Nketiah, Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson – all developed at Arsenal – you can understand why this quota is at the forefront of Arteta’s mind.
Crystal Palace are one side to have shown interest in Nketiah.
Juventus are currently working on a deal to sign Michele Di Gregorio from Monza, so there is optimism that Szczesny – who made 181 appearances across 11 years at Arsenal – will be put up for sale.
The Pole, who Chelsea are looking at too, also has just 12 months remaining on his contract, although his £100,000-a-week wages are currently a concern for Arsenal.
As aforesaid, Wenger sold Szczesny in 2017, sanctioning a £10m sale to Juventus.
Alternatives to the Poland international
Arsenal are not just looking at Szczesny.
The Evening Standard add that Brighton No.23 Jason Steele is also on Arsenal’s shortlist as a homegrown option, while Ajax No.40 Diant Ramaj is a target as well.
However, the report states that the German is unwilling to give up regular playing time in Amsterdam.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as a new glovesman looks set to arrive at Arsenal this summer.