Lukasz Fabianski’s career at Arsenal seems to be drawing to an end, after speculation about Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Julio Cesar arriving at the club gathering pace, effectively putting an end to Fabianski’s chances of being number one.
Wojciech Szczesny currently holds the number one spot at the club, and Fabianski has been competing against Vito Mannone for the spot on the first team bench. If Cesar arrives at the club, Fabianski’s career at the Emirates Stadium seems very bleak.
Fabianski started his senior career at Polish club Legia Warsaw, where he made 65 appearances between 2005 and 2007. During this time, he was recognized domestically for his impressive performances, and won the “Football Oscar” for the best goalkeeper in the league. Arsenal had been active in Poland looking for young talents, as they had already signed Szczesny in 2006 into their youth academy.
The club linked with a move for Fabianski is Turkish side Besiktas, who have qualified for the UEFA Champions League next season, after finishing 3rd this term. Allan McGregor made a free transfer from Rangers, and made 25 appearances for the side this season. However, the Scottish keeper is looking for the exit door, and the club are eying Arsenal’s second choice keeper as a replacement.
At 28-years of age, Fabianski not only brings an experienced keeper to the side having played at the highest level, but also a mature mindset in goal. For the record, Fabianski has played for Arsenal on 31 occasions with 10 clean sheets.
Arsene Wenger is thought to be a fan of Cesar, which presumably means the Brazilian would take over the mantle of the number one. The French manager is hoping to add a few bodies to the squad. The Gunners could cash in on Fabianski, to use the excess cash to finance other transfers.
The Gunners could get a transfer fee of around £5 million, which could assist them in their bids for Stevan Jovetic, Wayne Rooney and Gonzalo Higuain. Defensively, the presence of Cesar, Szczesny and Mannone should be good enough for the multiple competitions in which the club participates next year.