Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, has grown frustrated with first choice goalkeeper Szczesny’s inconsistent displays this season and is ready to bring in a replacement in the summer. According to the Daily Mail, Wenger has lost his patience with the Pole and is eyeing Chelsea goalkeeper, Petr Cech, as his replacement.
Szczesny has lost his place in the side to Fabianski, who has impressed in his absence, keeping two clean sheets including a famous one at the Allianz Arena against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Even though Wenger stressed that he believes in Szczesny and had actually rested the Poland international, he is reportedly making a list of targets to replace him in the summer. Along with Petr Cech, Arsenal are rumoured to be zoning in on Pepe Reina, Asmir Begovic, Victor Valdes, Rene Adler and Michel Vorm.
Cech has been first choice at Chelsea since his first ever season with the London club back in 2004-05. He has been one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the Premier League behind Pepe Reina, winning the Golden Glove award on two occasions.
However, his time as first choice keeper at Chelsea could be drawing to a close. On loan keeper, Thibaut Courtois, has excelled at Atletico Madrid and with his loan deal due to expire in the summer, he could very well be playing in between the sticks at Stamford Bridge next season. He has already kept 14 clean sheets and set a new record at 820 minutes for the longest time elapsed without conceding a goal at the Vicente Calderon. He looked very impressive in his most recent appearance against Osasuna on the weekend.
Arsenal are reportedly set to take advantage of the managerial merry-go-round at Chelsea with a concrete bid for their Czech international. It would easily be one of the shocks on the transfer window and the chances of Chelsea agreeing to sell one of their top players to their direct rivals seem remote.
But, Wenger planning such an audacious swoop should send a message to his rivals, that he once again is building Arsenal to become a major force in European football.