Roma are set to complete the loan signing of goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny from Arsenal after the Pole arrived in Rome for his medical on Thursday.
The 26-year-old spent last season on loan with the Giallorossi, and has seemingly done enough to impress coach Luciano Spalletti to earn a move back to the capital club.
However, he will face additional competition this season as Roma have also signed Alisson, and so the pair will now be expected to battle it out for the number one jersey.
Wojciech Szczesny has landed in Rome to complete his move to @ASRomaEN. pic.twitter.com/PRkhsByyDK
— GazzettaWorld (@GazzettaWorld) August 4, 2016
“Forza Roma,” he reportedly told the press on landing at the airport. “I’m fine, and I’m happy to be back.”
Whether or not the Polish international establishes himself as a starter now remains to be seen, but it will undoubtedly be an ‘easier’ task than if he had returned to Arsenal this season.
The Gunners have Petr Cech as their first-choice shot-stopper, and the veteran will undoubtedly continue in that role under Arsene Wenger this coming campaign.
Further, the French tactician has made no secret of how highly he rates David Ospina, and although the Colombian will want to be considered as more than a mere back-up option, Arsenal are undoubtedly covered in that position.
In turn, it has led to their decision to allow Szczesny to complete his move to Rome, where he will now hope to play his part in helping the club launch a Scudetto push.
The Giallorossi finished in third place last season, but an impressive unbeaten run after Spalletti’s arrival catapulted them back into contention for the Champions League, and they will now hope to qualify for the group stages later this month.
Szczesny made 42 appearances in all competitions last season, keeping nine clean sheets in total.