Wojciech Szczesny

[Socrates 8370]

 

Modificato September 5 da Socrates

[Socrates 8370]

 

 

 

TRANSFER RUMOUR: JUVENTUS, NAPOLI AND BORUSSIA DORTMUND

TARGET ON LOAN ARSENAL GOALKEEPER WOJCIECH SZCZESNY

 

 
http://www.thehardtackle.com/news/2017/02/21/transfer-rumour-juventus-napoli-

and-borussia-dortmund-target-on-loan-arsenal-goalkeeper-wojciech-szczesny/

 

 

Feb 21, 2017

 

Juventus, Napoli and Borussia Dortmund are all targetting Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny for a summer move

Italian publication Corriere dello Sport have reported that Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is on the radar of Juventus, Napoli and Borussia Dortmund. The Pole is currently on loan with AS Roma in the Serie A, but the three aforementioned clubs are now all set to make a move for him in the summer.

Wojciech Szczesny’s career at Arsenal has been quite the topsy turvy one. He joined the North London club in 2006 as one of the most promising teen goalkeeping prospects in the world. Having joined the youth ranks with the Gunners, Szczesny made rapid strides to establish himself as the firm first choice by 2011.

He was one of the best goalkeepers for several seasons in the Premier League thereafter, as he regularly made an impression with his quick reflexes and superb shot-stopping abilities. However, poor form coupled with disciplinary issues in 2014/15 saw him lose his place in the starting lineup to David Ospina.

Petr Cech’s arrival at the Emirates Stadium in the 2015/16 season then saw Szczesny being sent to AS Roma on loan and he is currently on his second season-long loan spell at the Stadio Olimpico. What’s more, he has not only established himself as the number one under Luciano Spalletti but also is a firm fan-favourite.

Szczesny seems to be back to his very best this season, and he hasn’t missed a single minute of action for Roma. His exploits have seen the Giallorossi keep 11 clean sheets in the Serie A, conceding just 22 goals in the process.

Roma have previously indicated that they would like to retain Szczesny on a permanent basis once his loan spell ends at the culmination of this season. However, they are now set to face competition for him in the form of Serie A rivals Juventus and Napoli, as well as Borussia Dortmund.

Juventus are searching for captain Gianluigi Buffon’s long-term successor and have already scouted the likes of Gianluigi Donnarumma, Alban Lafont and David De Gea. And it looks like they’re keeping their options open, with Szczesny being scouted as well.

Napoli, on the other hand, are looking to replace Pepe Reina, who seems to be past his peak, and have turned their attention towards the Poland international. With Szczesny being well experienced in Serie A, he is certainly a viable option for Napoli to consider.

Meanwhile, Roman Burki and Roman Weidenfeller have been highly unreliable for Borussia Dortmund of late, resulting in Thomas Tuchel looking for goalkeeping reinforcements for the summer. With Szczesny regaining top form this season, he could well be a top addition for the Bundesliga club.

It now remains to be seen if Arsenal are willing to sell Szczesny in the summer, or if Arsene Wenger intends to reinstate him back into his first team plans. Clubs are lining up for him though, and it will be interesting to see the club Szczesny plays for next season.

[Socrates 8370]

 

 

 

Juventus in for Szczesny?

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/103442/juventus-szczesny

 

 

May 31, 2017

 

Juventus are the latest team to be linked with Arsenal’s Wojciech Szczesny, offering €4m per season.

 

The Polish goalkeeper has spent the last two seasons on loan with Roma, but the Giallorossi have no buyout clause.

 

Napoli are believed to be keen to bring him in as a replacement for Pepe Reina, but today’s Tuttosport is reporting that the Bianconeri are also interested.

 

It’s believed the Gunners ‘keeper is being offered €4m per season to move to Turin, but there are several hurdles to be overcome.

 

Szczesny would have to accept being backup to Gianluigi Buffon, who will play on for at least one more season.

 

In addition, the World Cup will be held in Russia next summer and the 27-year-old is likely to be wary of risking his Poland place through a lack of game time.

[Socrates 8370]

 

 

 

Juventus have deal for Wojciech Szczesny

 

 

http://www.juvefc.com/juventus-deal-wojciech-szczesny/

 

 

Jun 2, 2017

 

Sky Sport Italia report that Juventus have a deal with Arsenal to sign Wojciech Szczesny for €16m.

The Polish international goalkeeper has spent the last two years on loan at Roma, enjoying his strongest campaign in the 2016/17 season.

Sky journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Juve are looking for a long-term successor to Gigi Buffon and Szczesny is the primary target.

Juve could land the 27-year-old for €16m with a four-year contract for the player worth €4m net per season.

Sportitalia also lead with the same story, reporting that the Bianconeri have been working on a deal for Szczesny since March.

[Socrates 8370]

 

 

 

Szczesny yet to make decision on future

 

 

The Polish shot stopper will talk with Arsene Wenger in the

coming weeks before making a decision on his Arsenal future

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2017/06/03/36066772/-

 

 

Jun 3, 2017

 

Wojciech Szczesny will hold discussions with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger before deciding his own future following premature reports that the Pole has agreed a deal with Juventus, Goal understands.

 

The 27-year-old has spent the past two seasons on loan at Italian side Roma where he has become one of the club’s most consistent performers, attracting interest from fellow Serie A giants Juventus and Napoli.

 

Wenger’s two year contract renewal at Arsenal has taken precedence in recent weeks but after finally signing his extension it’s now expected that the 67-year-old will sit down with Szczesny to discuss his goalkeeping plans for the 2017/18 campaign.

 

Szczesny played in all of Roma’s 38 Serie A matches last season, keeping 14 clean sheets - the most out of any ‘keeper in the league and despite reports suggesting that Champions League finalists Juventus are in advanced talks to sign him, Goal understands that no decision has yet been made on his future.

 

Petr Cech and Szczesny are likely to compete for the No.1 spot during pre-season but if the Pole does decide to depart north London on a permanent basis, Wenger has faith in current third choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to act as back-up.

[Socrates 8370]

 

 

 

Szczesny done, Juve look to Costa or Di Maria

 

 

http://www.juvefc.com/szczesny-done-juve-look-costa-di-maria/

 

 

Jun 6, 2017

 

Juventus have a deal in place for Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and are turning their attention to Angel Di Maria and Douglas Costa.

Sky Sport Italia report that the Bianconeri are working on two names for the attack this summer: Douglas Costa and Angel Di Maria, with one of them expected to join the club for next season. Despite Juve’s poor relations with PSG, Sky transfer journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reports that a possible transfer isn’t impossible and Juve could match the wages he earns at the French club.

Di Marzio also reports that a deal for Szczesny has been concluded with Juventus and Arsenal agreeing a fee of  €14m [£12.2m] plus €2m in bonuses for the Polish international.

Szczesny has reportedly agreed a four-year contract worth €4m per season, which would rise to €4.5m in the final year.

[Socrates 8370]

 

 

 

Wojciech Szczesny to Juventus is a done deal

 

 

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/6/6/15743436/wojciech-

szczesny-arsenal-juventus-2017-epl-serie-a-summer-transfer-rumors

 

 

Jun 6, 2017

 

When reports first surfaced that Juventus were targeting Wojciech Szczesny and that the Polish goalkeeper could very well end up being the summer’s first official acquisition, I was one to think to myself, “Ha ha, okay, very funny, guys.” It was the night before the Champions League final. I was in no mood to hear about it. I had more important things to worry about — and that was before Juve laid an egg in the second half against Real Madrid.

And yet, as we sit here three days after the initial reports came about, they aren’t going away.

They’re getting even stronger.

Sky Sport Italia transfer master Gianluca Di Marzio is reporting that Juventus have discussed things with Arsenal and the two clubs have agreed to a fee Szczesny, who spent the last two seasons on loan at Roma. This comes after reports surfaced over the weekend that Szczesny and Juventus had agree to personal terms on a four-year contract. Put two and two together and you have, at least when it comes to what the media is reporting, a deal that looks like it will be happening.

More from Di Marzio:

About the goalkeeper, the deal for Szczesny is wrapped up. Arsenal and Juventus have agreed on a 14 million euros deal with 2 more million bonus. The player will get a four year contract with four million euros per season, with a last year augmentation about 4.5 million euros.

Now we wait and see if all of this comes to fruition.

There are obviously two big dominoes that comes with this:

1. Juventus’ backup keeper for the last two seasons, Neto, will probably be leaving if Szczesny does indeed sign with the six-time defending Serie A champions in relatively short order.
2. Juventus may as well deem Szczesny the replacement for Gigi Buffon when he retires.

Basically, you don’t sign a goalkeeper for that kind of money if you don’t view him as a starter at least some time down the road. Rarely do teams spent huge amounts of money for their starting goalkeeper — look at how long Buffon’s transfer fee from Parma to Juventus has been the world record — and even less for the No. 2. But potentially €16 million for somebody who will deputize for Buffon next season? Yeah, there’s something going on more than just trying to upgrade your backup goalkeeper.

I guess it might be time to learn how to spell “Szczesny” without using copy/paste, folks.

[Socrates 8370]

 

 

 

Szczesny agrees Juve switch?

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/103896/szczesny-agrees-juve-switch

 

 

Jun 9, 2017

 

Wojciech Szczesny has reportedly agreed terms over a switch to Juventus, who are trying to negotiate a fee with Arsenal.

 

According to Przeglad Sportowy, “everything will become clear in the next few days”, with Szczesny accepting Juve’s offer of a four-year contract worth €4m a season.

 

The Polish daily explains the international break and the goalkeeper’s subsequent holiday are holding up the transfer, although he spent Tuesday afternoon locked in talks with his agent, David Manasseh.

 

It is understood that the Bianconeri were impressed by Szczesny’s growth at Roma over the past couple of seasons as he became a “more versatile” shot-stopper.

 

Furthermore, the publication claims his desire to return to London has waned after Arsenal failed to give him assurances about the future, whereas he would spend just one campaign deputising for Gianluigi Buffon.

[Socrates 8370]

 

 

 

Buffon: ‘Szczesny right for Juventus’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/104034/buffon-‘szczesny-right-juventus’

 

 

Jun 12, 2017

 

Gianluigi Buffon appears to confirm Wojciech Szczesny will join Juventus - “I think it’s an intelligent marriage”.

 

The Arsenal goalkeeper has spent the past two seasons on loan with Roma, but it has been suggested he’ll join the Bianconeri this summer as an eventual replacement for the Italy captain.

 

“He’s made the best choice he could make,” Buffon told Sky when asked what he’ll say to Szczesny.

 

“I also think though that Juve have made the best choice they could make, because Szczesny, in my opinion, had a great season last year.

“He was probably the best goalkeeper in terms of consistency, and saves made.

 

“I think that it’s an intelligent marriage between the strongest club and the one who was the strongest goalkeeper last year.

 

“How will we adapt to each other? Easily. One one gets called-up, he plays and if you’re not called on you don’t play. It’s a lot simpler than you might thing.

 

“Because of that I think he’s really made the best choice for his present and his future, and I’m sure he’ll never regret it.

 

“When you come to Juve - especially if you haven’t been at other big clubs but aren’t used to winning - you understand the difference.”

[Socrates 8370]

 

 

 

 

Inter try to snatch Szczesny from Juve

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/104157/inter-can-snatch-szczesny-juve

 

 

Jun 14, 2017

 

Inter are trying to intercept the Juventus deal for Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, claim Sportitalia, after his loan at Roma.

 

It has been all but confirmed that the Bianconeri have chosen Szczesny as the heir to Gianluigi Buffon when he retires next year.

 

However, the transfer isn’t sealed yet and Sportitalia maintain Inter are now attempting to dive in with their own proposal for the Poland international.

 

Szczesny would effectively be on the bench until 2018-19, as Buffon is still at the height of his powers, even though he turns 40 in January.

 

It’s reported that Juventus only offered around half of Arsenal’s €15m asking price.

 

He spent the last two seasons on loan at Roma and is therefore familiar with Serie A and particularly with former Giallorossi director Walter Sabatini, who is now at Inter.

[Socrates 8370]

 

 

 

 

Arsenal reject Juve Szczesny offer

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/104470/arsenal-reject-juve-szczesny-offer

 

 

Jun 21, 2017

 

Arsenal have reportedly turned down the Juventus €4.5m offer for Wojciech Szczesny, demanding €14.7m.

 

According to The Sun, Juve’s attempts to keep the goalkeeper in Serie A after his two-year Roma loan have hit problems.

 

His contract with the Gunners expires in June 2018, but Arsenal shrugged off the £4m proposal.

 

They insist he is worth closer to £13m and are prepared to keep the 28-year-old Poland international on the bench rather than let him leave for a lower fee.

 

Napoli and Milan have also been linked with Szczesny, but like Juve, do not intend to pay €14.7m.

[Socrates 8370]

 

 

 

Juventus sell Neto for Szczesny cash

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/105106/juventus-sell-neto-szczesny-cash

 

 

Jul 2, 2017

 

Juventus can match Arsenal’s €15m asking price for Wojciech Szczesny by selling Norberto Neto to Watford or Valencia.

 

The Bianconeri have long agreed personal terms with the goalkeeper, who spent the last two seasons on loan at Roma.

 

Arsenal were holding out for at least €15m – approximately double the offer on the table from Juve.

 

According to Tuttosport, the Turin giants have a plan to raise the necessary funds and that means selling the man Szczesny is replacing.

 

Neto asked to leave in order to get more regular playing time, as he tired of being Gigi Buffon’s understudy.

 

The Brazilian is pushing for a move to Valencia, but Watford have so far offered more money.

 

It’s reported Juve aim to raise at least €10m from Neto’s sale which, added to the original Szczesny offer, will match Arsenal’s target.

[Socrates 8370]

 

 

 

Juventus close on Szczesny

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/105514/juventus-close-szczesny

 

 

Jul 9, 2017

 

Juventus are closer to former Roma goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny after he was left out of Arsenal’s pre-season tour.

 

The shot-stopper spent the last two seasons in Serie A on loan with the Giallorossi.

 

There have been persistent reports that Szczesny has already agreed a transfer to Juve, where he’ll start as understudy to Gigi Buffon before the Italian’s expected retirement in 2018.

 

According to the Corriere dello Sport and Sun Sport, the Bianconeri are hoping to finalise the deal next week.

 

A big clue came from the fact Szczesny has been left out of the squad for Arsenal’s pre-season tour.

 

The 27-year-old Poland international is under contract with the Gunners until June 2018.

 

Despite being just one year away from becoming a free agent, Arsenal want over €18m for Szczesny.

[Socrates 8370]

 

 

 

Juventus target Wojciech Szczesny left out

of Arsenal’s preseason tour squad

 

 

https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/7/10/15941118/wojciech-

szczesny-arsenal-juventus-2017-epl-serie-a-summer-transfer-rumors

 

 

Jul 10, 2017

 

For weeks we’ve been hearing that Wojciech Szczesny is going to be a Juventus player. And for most of those weeks we’ve pretty much assumed that a deal will be happening even as Juve’s two keepers who played behind Gigi Buffon last season, Neto and Emil Audero, joined new teams within the last handful of days.

Want another clue that Szczesny is going to be wearing Juventus gear in relatively short order?

Go ahead and check out Arsenal’s 25-man squad that departed London on Sunday to go on the club’s preseason tour of Australia and China that spans the next two weeks. There are three goalkeepers on that list — and Szczesny isn’t one of them. There’s recent signing Alexandre Lacazette, but no Szczesny. There are some players who probably won’t be Arsenal players by the end of the transfer window, but no Szczesny.

You get it by now.

We all know the situation by now: If Szczesny does arrive — and there’s nothing to say he won’t at this point based on this latest development — then he will take over Neto’s spot as Buffon’s understudy and more than likely be the first man to try and replace San Gigi when he retires. Having spent the past two seasons at Roma, it’s not like Juventus’ management team haven’t had the chance to scout Szczesny extensively, which means they must feel confident turning things over to 27-year-old Poland international.

Whether you feel like Szczesny is a suitable replacement for Buffuon down the line still remains to be seen, but for next season he’s as good of a No. 2 goalkeeper as you will find in Europe. Then again, we said the same thing when Marco Storari was around mainly because he was. And it’s not like Neto was some kind of slouch, either.

Good backup goalkeepers are good. They’re not Buffon, but they’re good.

And now we know that Juventus are soon to be signing one since Woj won’t be hanging out with the kangaroos on Arsenal’s preseason tour this summer.

[Socrates 8370]

 

 

 

Juve confident for Szczesny

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/105851/juve-confident-szczesny

 

 

Jul 16, 2017

 

Juventus are confident they’ll have Wojciech Szczesny for their pre-season tour next week, trusting they can pay Arsenal €9m (£7.8m).

 

The goalkeeper spent the last two seasons in Serie A on loan at Roma and there is no place for him in Arsene Wenger’s team.

 

A deal was struck with the player several weeks ago, but Arsenal were demanding €15m (£13.1m) compared to an offer of €8m.

 

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Bianconeri are sure they can get the agreement for €9m and have Szczesny take part in their pre-season tour of the United States.

[Socrates 8370]

 

 

 

Szczesny to Juventus next week

 

 

http://www.juvefc.com/szczesny-juventus-next-week/

 

 

Jul 16, 2017

 

Wojciech Szczesny is expected to complete his Juventus move this week as Max Allegri aims to have the player in the squad for the Bianconeri’s tour of the USA.

Having spent the last two seasons on loan at Roma, it’s reported that the Bianconeri heirachy were impressed enough to target Szczesny as the immediate successor to Gigi Buffon, who’s expected to hang up his gloves in 2018.

Juve are strengthening the team as they target both Serie A and the Champions League for the coming season and you can get great odds on the Bianconeri via BetOnline.ag to lift both trophies.

Gazzetta Dello Sport report that despite Arsenal asking for €15m, the two sides have reached an agreement for the Polish international goalkeeper.

Juve are expected to sign Szczesny for €9m ahead of their tour of the United States which begins later this week.

[Socrates 8370]

 

 

 

Szczesny to have Juventus medical

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/105929/szczesny-have-juventus-medical

 

 

Jul 17, 2017

 

Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is expected in Turin for his Juventus medical tomorrow.

 

The Bianconeri have been linked with the Polish international since the end of last season, and it was reported earlier today that a breakthrough had been made.

 

Tonight Sky is reporting that his medical is scheduled for tomorrow, with the former Roma man expected in Turin in the morning.

 

He’ll act as backup to Gianluigi Buffon for the forthcoming season, before taking over the gloves when the Italy captain retires after the 2018 World Cup.

 

There has also been progress today for Mattia De Sciglio, and he could also have a medical this week, possible Wednesday.

[Socrates 8370]

 

 

 

Szczesny has Juventus medical

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/105963/szczesny-has-juventus-medical

 

 

Jul 18, 2017

 

Wojciech Szczesny has arrived at J-Medical to take his Juventus medicals, ahead of signing from Arsenal.

 

The Polish goalkeeper arrived in Italy this morning, after a €10m fee was agreed between the two clubs.

 

He has now arrived at the Bianconeri’s medical facility to be subjected to the necessary tests, after which he can sign his contract with the Italian champions.

 

Szczesny will be backup to Gianluigi Buffon this season, but the Juve legend plans to retire after the 2018 World Cup, at which point Szczesny will become first choice.

[Socrates 8370]

 

 

 

OFFICIAL: Juve sign Szczesny

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/106018/official-juve-sign-szczesny

 

 

Jul 19, 2017

 

Juventus have announced the signing of ex-Roma goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny from Arsenal for a fee up to €15.3m.

 

The transfer was confirmed in a statement on Juve’s official website, which also stated Szczesny had put pen to paper on a four-year contract with the club.

 

Furthermore, the Bianconeri will pay “€12.2m over two years”, plus another “€3.1m if certain terms are met”, referring to performance-related bonuses.

 

The Pole had spent the last two seasons on loan at Roma, but he will now be nurtured for Juve’s No 1 jersey once Gianluigi Buffon retires.

 

Previous reports also suggest the 27-year-old has agreed a deal worth €3.5m a season.

[Socrates 8370]

 

 

 

Szczesny: ‘Buffon the best ever’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/106035/szczesny-‘buffon-best-ever’

 

 

Jul 19, 2017

 

Wojciech Szczesny says Gianluigi Buffon could be the best goalkeeper ever, so looks forward to learning from him at Juventus.

 

The Polish international officially joined the Bianconeri earlier today, and after his official unveiling he spoke to JTV about the transfer.

 

“This is an incredible team, a team which is always on the pitch to win,” Szczesny explained.

 

“That doesn’t just mean a game, but every trophy. That’s what brought me here, I want to win trophies. I want to be a champion so I’m here and I’m ready to go.

 

“Was Buffon’s presence a factor? Yes, yes because I want to improve so there’s no better opportunity to do that than training with Gianluigi Buffon.

 

“He’s one of the best, or the best, goalkeepers in history, not just the history of Italian football but football all over the world.

 

“Now I have the opportunity to train with him, I want to improve and learn from him.

 

“I’m not finished, I’m a goalkeeper who always wants to improve. I’m an explosive, I like to make these saves which seem impossible.

 

“I still have to improve in terms of consistency though, because I want to be a goalkeeper on Buffon’s level, or at least close.

 

“You have to reach that level in every game, not just in two or three games per season. So I have to improve.”

[Socrates 8370]

 

 

 

Arsene Wenger backs Wojciech Szczesny

to replace Gianluigi Buffon at Juventus

 

 

http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/arsenal/news/wenger-backs-szczesny-to-replace-buffon_303100.html

 

 

Jul 20, 2017

 

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has bid farewell to Wojciech Szczesny following his departure to Juventus, backing the goalkeeper to successfully replace Gianluigi Buffon.

Szczesny was unveiled as a Juve player on Wednesday afternoon to bring an end to his 11-year spell in North London, the last two of which have been spent in Italy with Roma.

The Poland international will now rival Buffon for a starting spot in Turin, with the Italian goalkeeping legend due to bring down the curtain on his glittering career at the end of the season.

Wenger expects Szczesny to be a hit at his latest club, but believes that selling him for a reported £13.5m is good business for the Gunners.

"We wish him well," he told the club's official website. "I think he is an Arsenal boy, an Arsenal man but we have so many top-class goalkeepers that we gave him a chance to remain in Italy.

"Juventus bought him tonight at only one year of contract to go. I think that it's very good for his future because he will certainly take over from Buffon and I believe as well that he will always be thankful to Arsenal because Arsenal was a big step in his career.

"If you look at the keepers we have educated, they are all doing well. We had of course Wojciech and now Emilliano Martinez coming out of our ranks. We have Matt Macey behind and all are doing very, very well."

Szczesny, who made a total of 181 appearances for the Gunners after emerging through the academy ranks, had also been on the radar of Inter Milan.

[Socrates 8370]

 

 

 

Wojciech Szczesny's touching farewell

a reflection on 11 years with Arsenal

 

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/arsenal/359/blog/post/3161350/wojciech-

szczesny-touching-farewell-a-reflection-on-11-years-with-arsenal

 

 

Jul 20, 2017

In 271 words, and one judiciously deployed heart emoji, Wojciech Szczesny showed why even a player who has not turned out for Arsenal since May 2015 will be missed by supporters following his permanent move to Juventus this week. It was a celebration of a career but, fittingly, a lament, too.

It was no ordinary farewell that Szczesny posted on Instagram; there were no empty platitudes about "the lads" and the "gaffer"; no superficial #lovedmytime hashtags. It was a poignant and emotional reflection on 11 years as an Arsenal player, the journey which took him from an academy hopeful taking "evening runs in East Barnet with Jack Wilshere" to beating Barcelona in the Champions League.

It namechecked all the members of staff who helped him on this journey. It talked of Arsenal greats from the past and the desire to see a new generation replicate their feats. It was, really, everything an Arsenal supporter would wish to read from a departing player. Which is no surprise: Szczesny is one himself. From admiring Arsenal as a child to enjoying his formative experiences with the academy boys and then graduating to the first team, Szczesny "got" Arsenal.

Fandom is expressed in myriad ways but Szczesny certainly exhibited one particular strand. Few Arsenal players have dedicated themselves so earnestly to winding up Tottenham, even when hundreds of miles away from Highbury. It sometimes came across as heavy-handed, or a bit provocative, but you never doubted it was genuine. It was the behaviour of any other supporter, gleefully delighting in schadenfreude and chanting "Tottenham Hotspur, it's happened again" into their smartphone. It was absolutely not the behaviour of a player -- and all the more endearing for that.

This kind of conduct could easily have come across as too self-aware and constructed but anyone doubting Szczesny's sincerity in his love for Arsenal need only watch the moment when he had to stop and compose himself during his introductory news conference as a Juventus player. He might have spent the past two seasons on loan at Roma, making himself well at home in Serie A, but the enormity of leaving the club which formed him still caused emotion to overwhelm him. He asked to take a minute, as an 11-year association slipped away from him.

Wojciech Szczesny has ended his 11-year association with Arsenal.

This is, then, a sale tinged with sadness. Losing a player who has been nurtured through the academy often carries with it a sense of melancholy. It hardly helps matters that Szczesny improved as a keeper during his time at Roma and has now been chosen by Champions League finalists Juventus to act as understudy to the great Gianluigi Buffon, with an eye to eventually replacing him, too. At 27, Szczesny might just be approaching his prime and there is clearly a chance that Arsenal have let him go at precisely the wrong moment.

The transfer fee is also a matter of real regret, as low as an initial £ 10.9 million by some estimates. That Szczesny was entering the final year of his contract largely accounts for this but it highlights how Arsenal have to be much more smart in managing senior contracts. His value depreciated over his two loan spells with Roma as his contract steadily shortened and Arsenal have paid the cost. At current market rates, Szczesny is worth at least twice what Arsenal have recouped for him.

There are many good reasons to view this deal with a healthy dose of scepticism. But in the emotion of losing a player who was so connected to the club and the supporters, there might be an element of revisionist history at play, too. There was, after all, a reason Szczesny left Arsenal -- despite being so well versed in the club's culture.

His form was too patchy by the end and the infamy of being discovered smoking in the showers following an atrocious performance in a defeat to Southampton in January 2015 will not have been forgotten easily by Arsene Wenger, a manager who preaches a professional and healthy approach to life and football. Not many were desperately sad to see him leave on loan. Admittedly, a permanent exit is something else entirely.

With Szczesny enjoying 14 clean sheets in Serie A last season, every fluctuation in Petr Cech's form enhanced the reputation of the absent keeper. It made the idea of Szczesny more powerful than perhaps the reality merited. But maybe that has been the case for a few years. The idea of the academy graduate and Tottenham provocateur becoming the club's number one was more alluring than the quality of his performances.

Now, though, he has left Arsenal, and maybe a small sliver of the club's soul has gone with him. But Szczesny would not have been the deciding factor between success and failure -- this coming season at least. He had his chance as Arsenal number one. Now it's time to write a new story.

[Socrates 8370]

 

 

 

Szczesny has ankle injury

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/106295/szczesny-has-ankle-injury

 

 

Jul 25, 2017

 

New Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has sprained his ankle, missing the PSG game along with Federico Bernardeschi, Douglas Costa and Daniele Rugani.

 

The Bianconeri were beaten 2-1 by Barcelona in the International Champions Cup, when Szczesny made his debut in the second half.

 

However, the former Roma and Arsenal goalkeeper sprained his left ankle and will be evaluated over the next few days, confirmed a Juve statement.

Szczesny will remain in Boston along with Rugani, new signings Douglas Costa and Bernardeschi.

 

They are not part of the travelling party to Miami, where Juve will face Paris Saint-Germain at the Hard Rock Stadium.

[Socrates 8370]

 

 

 

 

Rubinho: ‘Szczesny can replace Buffon’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/112566/rubinho-‘szczesny-can-replace-buffon’

 

 

Nov 9, 2017

 

Former Juventus goalkeeper Rubinho believes Wojciech Szczesny can replace Gianluigi Buffon next season.

 

The Italy captain plans to retire after the 2018 World Cup, and Szczesny has been bought to inherit the gloves.

 

Rubinho spent four seasons as third-choice ‘keeper in Turin, making two Serie A appearances, and the Brazilian spoke about the current goalkeeping situation.

 

“Juventus have bought a strong player and they wouldn’t have sold Neto if they didn’t think so,” said the Genoa man, speaking to TuttoJuve.

 

“He could potentially do very well for the club. On the goal he conceded against Benevento the wall was badly set up and that’s how they scored.

 

“That mistake doesn’t cancel out all the good performances he’s done, where he’s shown himself to be safe and effective.

 

“When you’re not playing often the distances are difficult for a goalkeeper.

 

“It’s difficult for Gigi to improve him, it’s easier for Szczesny to improve himself. He has an excellent goalkeeping coach, a club that’s focused on him and an amazing organisation behind him.

 

“Now he just has to give his all in training and in the games, that’s the only way he can grow. I hope he can take up Buffon’s mantle.”

 

Rubinho also discussed his old club’s start to the season, with Max Allegri’s side sitting second but having been criticised for some of their play.

 

“I always see them winning, my former teammates are doing well and I’m very happy. They’re very close to Napoli, they’re not far from making the Champions League knockout stages and I hope they can continue like this.

 

“The problem is that when people ask about Juventus there are never any half measures: they’re either a fantastic team or in crisis; they played well or they were rubbish: it’s black or white!

 

“It’s normal at a big club, what’s happened at Juventus has also happened at big clubs like Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.”

[Socrates 8370]

 

 

 

 

‘Szczesny ready to replace Buffon’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/112912/‘szczesny-ready-replace-buffon’

 

 

Nov 17, 2017

 

Wojciech Szczesny’s wife claims the goalkeeper is ready “to become Juventus’ No 1 when Gianluigi Buffon retires.”

 

Szczesny joined Juve from Arsenal over the summer after two seasons on loan at Serie A rivals Roma, and Marina Luczenko believes her husband has what it takes to succeed Buffon between the sticks.

 

“He’s working hard, and his objective is to become [Juve’s] No 1 when Buffon retires,” the singer told Gazzetta dello Sport.

 

“I know how much Wojciech is learning from being close to a legend like him: it must be a unique experience.

 

“They’ve become very good friends, they’ve got to grips with other very quickly and they have the same objective, to win.

 

“I think they’ll do that again this season.”