Arsenal transfer news: Wojciech Szczesny joins Roma on season-long loan

Polish goalkeeper lost his place in first team last season and Petr Cech's arrival means too much competition for number one jersey

Wojciech Szczesny - Arrives in Italy after joining Roma on loan
Loaned out: Wojciech Szczesny joins Roma on loan Credit: Photo: EPA

Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has joined Serie A title hopefuls Roma on a season-long loan deal.

The 25-year-old Poland international was limited to 17 Barclays Premier League appearances for the Gunners last season, with David Ospina gradually wresting control of the gloves at the Emirates Stadium, and the arrival of Petr Cech from Chelsea has increased competition further.

Cech's arrival means Szczesny chances will be limited

Szczesny told asroma.it: "I've come here to win matches and trophies with Roma and I think the team are strong enough to do that. I think there's great potential here.

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"I already know the faces and the names of my new team-mates and I'm hoping to get settled here quickly."

Szczesny has made 132 Premier League appearances since progressing to the Arsenal senior team, having joined the youth set-up in 2006.

Szczesny did not play again in the league after a poor display at St Mary's

Mistakes and some rather erratic goalkeeping meant that Arsene Wenger was never truly satisfied with the Pole, and then he was dropped last season after a particularly poor dispay in defeat at Southampton, when it was revealed that Szczesny had smoked a cigarette in the showers after the game.

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He did not play again in the league and it remains to be seen whether this loan move will become permanent or will be used as an opportunity for Szczesny to develop before a return to the Emirates.