Arsenal are reportedly holding out for £13 million for Wojciech Szczesny after rejecting an initial £4 million bid from Juventus for the goalkeeper.
According to a report in The Sun, Arsenal have turned down an initial bid worth £4 million from Juventus for Wojciech Szczesny, who is currently on loan at AS Roma. The Gunners are not budging from their £13 million valuation for the Polish goalkeeper.
Szczesny joined Arsenal’s youth setup in 2006 and made rapid strides in the academy before firmly establishing himself as the first-choice goalkeeper in Arsene Wenger’s first-team squad by 2011. However, the Pole lost his place in the starting lineup in the second half of the 2014/15 season due to poor form and disciplinary issues.
Following Petr Cech’s arrival at the Emirates in the summer of 2015, Szczesny was sent on loan to Roma where he has enjoyed two resurgent campaigns. And 2016/17 was the season that saw the shot stopper turn his career around completely, as he kept the most clean sheets in Serie A – 14 in 38 matches.
Szczesny is now set to return to the Emirates this summer following the end of his second season-long loan spell at Stadio Olimpico. But with Cech set to be ahead in the pecking order next season as well, the 27-year-old is reportedly eager to end his spell at Arsenal for pastures anew.
While the Poland international would like to remain with Roma on a permanent basis, newly appointed manager, Eusebio Di Francesco looks likely to put his faith in Allison Becker as his first-choice next season. But Juventus retain an interest in signing him.
The Bianconeri are eager to plan the succession of veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who is fast approaching the end of his glittering playing career. With Szczesny being one of the most dependable goalkeepers in the Serie A and at the peak of his powers, he could make for an ideal successor to the Italy legend.
Thus, Juventus have made an initial offer to sign the Pole in the summer transfer window – a £4 million bid that has been swiftly turned down by Arsenal. The Gunners are instead set to hold out for £13 million.
Meanwhile, Arsene Wenger is keen to retain Szczesny’s services as the Frenchman sees him as Cech’s successor at the Emirates. However, with David Ospina set to leave Arsenal in the summer, Szczesny is likely to be the second-choice behind Cech initially.
The shot stopper, though, has every chance to stake his claim to become the first-choice again considering Cech’s struggles last season. It now remains to be seen if Juventus are willing to shell out Arsenal’s asking price, or if the Gunners are able to keep hold of Szczesny beyond the summer.
