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Wojciech Szczesny to Roma: Latest Loan Details, Comments and Reaction
August 4, 2016
Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has returned to AS Roma for another loan spell, spending his second straight season in the Italian capital.
The Giallorossi confirmed the news via their official website on Thursday, and Szczesny told Roma TV of his feelings upon returning to the club: "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."
The Poland international was Roma's regular starter last season, appearing in 42 contests. He faces a real battle to keep hold of his spot this time around, however, after the Italians splashed the cash on highly rated Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson.
The 23-year-old started for Brazil in the Copa America Centenario and has been a regular starter for Internacional for years.
Roma's report doesn't include any financial details on Szczesny's loan, and crucially, it doesn't include any information on whether the club has an option to make the move permanent.
The move shouldn't come as a surprise, as the former Legia Warsaw man's path to the starting position in north London is still blocked by Petr Cech. The loan gives him a chance to increase his value, and a permanent solution is still the likeliest outcome.
Szczesny is just 26 years old and flashed his talent with the Giallorossi last season, as you can see in the video below:
He could still be the long-term answer for the Gunners, but even if manager Arsene Wenger doesn't see things that way, the loan will give Szczesny an opportunity to convince another club to invest in his services next summer, netting the Gunners a nice transfer fee.
The Polish stopper already knows the club, his team-mates and Serie A, and he has the advantage over Alisson entering the battle for the starting position, although the latter remains the favourite for now.