A Saudi Arabian outfit have now emerged as suitors for one Arsenal summer transfer target, meaning Mikel Arteta will have to act fast to strike a deal.
Arsenal are plotting to overhaul their goalkeeping department this summer.
Aaron Ramsdale is almost certain to leave Arsenal. The Gunners will need to bring in a new back-up option to support David Raya.
A number of goalkeepers have been linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium, including Juventus shot-stopper Wojciech Szczesny.
Of course, the Polish shot-stopper is a familiar face in North London. He represented Arsenal almost 200 times earlier on in his career, between 2009 and 2015. He won two FA Cups, before joining Roma on loan and then signing permanently for Juventus.
Saudi Arabian club join race to sign Arsenal transfer target Wojciech Szczesny
Szczesny remains a popular figure amongst Arsenal fans, and certainly has the quality to offer capable back-up for Raya. However, a question mark surely exists over whether he’d be happy to play second fiddle behind the Spaniard at this stage in his career.
The 34-year-old may also struggle somewhat with the the tactical demands that Mikel Arteta puts on his goalkeepers. The 81-cap Poland international is not as comfortable with the ball at his feet as Raya, nor is he as naturally as aggressive in his positioning.
However, if Arteta is still keen to secure Szczesny’s return to Arsenal, then he and sporting director Edu will have to work quickly to secure a deal. According to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, reporting on X, Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr have “started talks” to sign the Serie A star.
Arsenal face tough task in swaying Wojciech Szczesny
Of course, Szczesny’s existing salary, currently in the region of £200,000-a-week, could easily be matched and even exceeded by Al Nassr. Arsenal, meanwhile, would surely be reluctant to table such a contract offer for a No. 2.
Szczesny’s personal connection with the club, though, could sway his decision. He may well feel that he has unfinished business at the Emirates Stadium. He would certainly be an interesting addition to Arteta’s squad.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are set to shell out £27 million to sign Raya on a permanent basis. Any further incomings in this part of the pitch are also dependent upon suitors for Ramsdale’s services coming forward with a reasonable offer.