Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Wojciech Szczesny, Rico Henry Rumours

Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny may not be back at the club for the 2016-17 campaign, as new AS Roma signing Alisson has revealed he expects to battle the Poland international for the starting position. Meanwhile, the race to sign Walsall starlet Rico Henry is heating up, as a host of English clubs are once again linked with the left-back.

Roma officially unveiled goalkeeper Alisson on Monday after agreeing to a pre-contract with the Brazilian in February, and according to Metro.co.uk's Max Miller, he told reporters he's under the impression he and Szczesny will compete for the starting position:

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As for Szczesny, I’ll say again that it’s not an important matter.

He’s strong and he did well. There’s going to be a fair rivalry with him.

I chose Roma for a simple reason, for the faith that they had in me from the beginning. They offered an excellent working project and this is the right choice for me. My family and I will be very happy in Rome.

"

Szczesny spent the 2015-16 season on loan with the Giallorossi and was the team's regular starter, appearing in 34 Serie A matches, per WhoScored.com.

He put together a solid campaign and made crucial saves throughout the season, some of which were put into a highlight reel by the club:

Arsenal made the decision to loan the 26-year-old to Roma following the arrival of Petr Cech, who joined the Gunners from Chelsea last summer and was expected to become the club's unquestioned starter.

The loan move provided Szczesny with the chance to play regular minutes and continue his development, but his long-term future remained open.

Consistency has always been his main issue, but if he could work on that part of his game in Rome, he was thought to still be in the running to replace Cech as Arsenal's starter when the Czech international calls it quits.

A permanent move to the Italian capital now seems likelier. David Amoyal of GianlucaDiMarzio.com previously reported that Szczesny's second loan spell with the Giallorossi will include a clause to make the move permanent, and if he beats Alisson to the starting position, there's little doubt the Romans will use it.

Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images

Elsewhere, the Sun and Daily Mail (h/t the Daily Star's Alex Wood) report Arsenal are on a long list of admirers of Walsall's Henry, who is also being followed by Liverpool, Leicester City and Leeds United, among a host of other clubs.

The 19-year-old appeared in 44 contests for Walsall last season and put together a strong campaign, one that was reportedly observed by a host of scouts. Leeds are said to be readying a £1 million bid and see him as the perfect replacement for Charlie Taylor, who is expected to depart the club.

Here's a look at some of Rico's highlights:

The England under-19 international is a remarkable weapon in the attacking third, blessed with quick feet, raw pace and a great eye for a cross. He's far from the finished product and will require a lot of polish before he can handle the Premier League level, but his long-term potential is tantalising.

If Walsall are willing to part with Henry for a fee around the supposed offer of £1 million, he could be an excellent signing for the future, although he would likely stay with Walsall on loan or move to a Championship club to obtain more experience.