Wojciech Szczesny has officially secured a loan move back to AS Roma. Last week, it was reported the Arsenal goalkeeper would return to the Italian capital for a second consecutive loan spell. Today both clubs confirmed the transfer.
OFFICIAL ✍ Wojciech #Szczesny rejoins #ASRoma on loan
Read more here 👉 https://t.co/2lF2jtdKRl pic.twitter.com/uBUuftma04
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) August 4, 2016
Szczesny made 34 Serie A appearances and 8 more in other competitions last season, helping Roma secure a 3rd place finish and Champions League qualification.
The Polish keeper had lost his starting spot at Arsenal to David Ospina the season prior, and the 2015 summer acquisition of Petr Cech pushed Szczesny further down the pecking order. His place in the squad became unattainable and he was loaned out to Roma to continue his development.
Speaking upon his arrival in Italy, Szczesny expressed his delight with being back at Roma.
“I’m very happy. After a good season last year I had [the] possibility of coming back and I was very happy that the coach wanted me. I’m delighted to be back and I hope that we can improve on what we did last season.”
Szczesny already has his sight set on achieving greater things this upcoming season.
“I’ve joined AS Roma and I want to win the Scudetto. That’s the only objective I have. I think we had a good second half of the season, but when you play for a big club you have to fight to win the titles.”
The move officially ends speculation surrounding Ospina’s future, who had been linked with a move to Besiktas this summer and is believed to be unsatisfied with his 2nd choice status at the club.
Ospina put in a marvelous performance at this summer’s Copa America and many had thought suitors would line up for his services. But with Szczesny going back to Italy, Ospina will have to wait another year to seek a starting spot at a different club.
Szczesny last played for Arsenal versus Aston Villa in the 2015 FA Cup Final, which the Gunners won 4-0.
It is not clear if there is a purchase fee clause inserted in the loan agreement. It was previously reported that the clubs had agreed a €16 million fee that Roma could trigger at the end of next season. Neither club have mentioned the existence of such a clause.
