Arsenal goalkeeper, David Ospina, could be set to stay in the Premier League next season after Everton made enquiries about his availability.
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According to reports in the Colombian press today, the Toffees are said to be heavily interested in the services of the 26-year-old, who has been shifted down the pecking order after the arrival of new signing, Petr Cech.
Cech brought more than just his gloves when he joined the Gunners for £11million, and his wealth in experience and titles will surely mean he becomes Arsenal’s new number 1.
That immediately spelt trouble for Ospina, who will once again have to compete for a place between the sticks despite becoming Wenger’s first choice towards the end of the season.
And now it seems Roberto Martinez is ready to submit a bid for the Colombian, with his options in the goalmouth being limited as they head into the 2015/16 season.
Veteran goalkeeper, Tim Howard, will celebrate his 37th birthday at the turn of the year, and Martinez is aware this is possibly his last chance to cash in on the American.
And that leaves Martinez with the no option than to turn to his second in command of Joel Robles, who has barely featured since his arrival from Wigan Athletic.
It is believed a price in the region of £5million could be sufficient for the services of Ospina, despite Wenger being reluctant to let his shot-stopper exit the Emirates.
The Colombian international made a terrific start to life at the Emirates, taking the place of the former first-choice Wojciech Szczesny at the beginning of the year to seal an impressive run of form.
That form was most recently showcased during the Copa America, where Ospina made a man-of-the-match performance against a strong Argentina side to remind Gunners’ fans what they could be missing.
But the Gooner faithful have been incredibly understanding of Ospina’s situation, who will need to seek regular first-team football to keep his national team status alive.
Everton and Southampton have both become regular names featured in the media as possible destinations, and now it seems Merseyside club have pulled away to seal a deal before the season starts in 32 days time.
The fact that he could be moving to a fellow Premier League side will not faze Arsene Wenger, after he approved the sales of Vito Mannone and Lukasz Fabianski to Sunderland and Swansea City respectively.
With the departure of Ospina looking imminent, it can only spell the chance for Wojciech Szczesny to stand as our second-choice keeper, after he confirmed he would be staying at the club after this years FA Cup final.
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Any transfer of the goalkeeper will be far from completion at this stage in time, with Ospina still having a break following his heavy involvement in the recent Copa America finals.
However, several Arsenal players returned to link up with each other at London Colney today, and we’s got all of the pictures right here.
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