Arsenal may be in the market for a new goalkeeper this summer if Aaron Ramsdale departs, and former star Wojciech Szczesny may now be an option to replace him.
Ramsdale lost his place as Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper last season after the arrival of David Raya, and could now leave in search of regular football.
Arsenal rejected a loan bid from Ajax, but if Ramsdale does depart as expected, they will need to replace him.
Juventus have now terminated the contract of Szczesny after an immensely successful period at the club, and the 34-year-old, who last played for Arsenal in the 2015 FA Cup final, is available as a free agent.
Arsenal fans are divided over whether Szczesny would be a good addition for Mikel Arteta’s side, but given his homegrown status and the lack of transfer fee involved, he could be the ideal backup if he is willing to play that role.
Szczesny came through the Arsenal academy, and his affection for the club is well-documented. Shortly after he left, initially on loan to AS Roma, he spoke about his dream of one day returning to Arsenal and succeeding.
Wojciech Szczesny dreamed of Arsenal return after he left
Speaking in 2015, shortly after his initial departure, Szczesny admitted that leaving after a reported quarrel with Arsene Wenger was not something he ever expected, and his ambition was to taste success in North London.
“If a year ago someone had told me that I would go to Rome I would have thought it was impossible,” he stated.
“I have been with Arsenal all my life and, I do not hide it, that is still my dream.
“For me it is like a family, I owe so much to those people that if I were to be given a chance I would play for them. The fans here [at Roma] have always been great, I do not know what will happen.
“Nine months is a long time in football, things can change from week to week.”
Szczesny was dropped by Wenger after an incident after a 2-0 defeat to Southampton in 2015, and was relegated to the second-choice behind David Ospina. However, he also stated that he was still on good terms with the Frenchman after he left and was replaced with Petr Cech.
“I never hated Wenger, I owe him a lot. I never hated him, I have always taken responsibility for my mistakes and not created any problems.
“The history of the cigarette in the locker room is real, but it is false that I argued with Wenger.
“Everyone knows that I have made mistakes but I have always accepted the consequences. Wenger was always clear to me and I believe that anyone who is honest is to be treated with honesty.
“We never had any problems but I understand that newspapers are looking for stories. I was not surprised by the arrival of Cech as he is a great goalkeeper who has won everything. I think any coach would have taken at such a low price.”
Wojciech Szczesny has chance for Arsenal redemption now
Szczesny enjoyed a lot of success at Juventus. winning three Serie A titles and two Italian Super Cups, and has impressed in the Champions League and at the World Cup with Poland.
However, being part of a winning squad at Arsenal could end up meaning more to him given his adoration for the club he developed at, and he now has this chance if Mikel Arteta is willing to reunite with his former teammate, and if he is willing to play a backup role.
This could see him appear in the domestic cups and possibly the Champions League, and his experience will be very useful in the dressing room. If he does return, and Arsenal do win major honours, it could be the perfect homecoming as Szczesny acts out his dream nearly 10 years after leaving.
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