Wojciech Szczesny was linked with a return to Arsenal this summer.
Arsenal made changes in their goalkeeper department in the recent summer transfer window.
David Raya’s loan move from Brentford was converted into a permanent switch, and Arsenal signed Neto on loan from Bournemouth on Transfer Deadline Day after Aaron Ramsdale left the Emirates Stadium to join Southampton.
There was plenty of talk prior to this late flurry of moves, though. The Gunners were linked with numerous shot-stoppers throughout the summer.
Joan Garcia was Arsenal’s top target. However, despite Mikel Arteta being so keen to add the 23-year-old to his squad, where he would have offered back up for Raya, the Gunners were unable to reach an agreement with Espanyol.
Prior to that, there was also talk of Wojciech Szczesny being brought back to Emirates Stadium, having previously represented Arsenal between 2006 and 2015.
The 84-cap former Poland international made 181 appearances for Arsenal, across all competitions, winning two FA Cups. He left North London on a permanent basis in the summer of 2017, spending the rest of his career at Juventus.
What Arsenal offered Wojciech Szczesny this summer
According to sources speaking exclusively to Arsenal Insider, the Gunners were keen to bring the 34-year-old back to the club this summer.
However, Arteta ideally viewed Szczesny as a potential No. 3 option, rather than a No. 2. In order to make the notion of a return more appealing to the veteran goalkeeper, the idea of him taking a coaching role at the club was raised during talks between Arsenal and Szczesny.
The Gunners saw the appeal in re-signing Szczesny due to his experience, and also the fact that he would have counted as a player who was both homegrown in England and at the club, which would’ve helped Arsenal to comply with Premier League squad selection rules.
Ultimately, rather than joining a new club, Szczesny announced his retirement this summer.
David Raya ready to shine for Arsenal
Having made his move to Arsenal permanent, Raya will now feel that Arteta’s faith is fully invested in him, and with Ramsdale now out of the picture there is pressure on the Spaniard to deliver.
The Euro 2024 winner was solid for the Gunners last season, but endured one or two difficult moments between the sticks. However, he has begun the new campaign full of confidence.
Raya has impressed so far this season, and looks establish and assured in his role in the squad.
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