Arsenal: £20 million Wojciech Szczesny fair for everyone

Arsenal are reportedly demanding £20 million for Wojciech Szczesny. When other goalkeepers are being sold for north of £30 million, that seems a like a fair price for all parties.

With three Premier League quality goalkeepers in the squad, there was always going to be a major decision to make regarding the future of the position. In fact, as soon as Arsenal signed Petr Cech in the summer of 2015, it was immediately clear that Arsene Wenger, each and every summer until a permanent solution was found, would have to allow one of his more prominent figures leave the club.

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The two figures that he had to decide between were David Ospina and Wojciech Szczesny. Cech was always going to be the starter, as long as he was fit, and there was only room for one more established keeper as the cup and European option behind Cech.

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Two years ago, Wenger decided that that would be Ospina, sending Szczesny out on loan to Roma to ensure that he was still able to get regular playing time, even if not at the Emirates. He then made the same decision last season, again sending Szczesny to Roma. However, these are only patch solutions. They do not provide any certainty for the future. They merely delay the decision another year.

Thankfully, Wenger has seemingly cottoned onto that fact. Recent reports suggest that Wenger is willing to sell Szczesny this summer, given that the Pole has just one more year remaining on his current contract and is reportedly unwilling to extend without assurances of playing time that cannot be given to him with the presence of Cech in the squad.

Consequently, the priority of selling Szczesny then turns to a sheer number’s battle: How much money can you get for the player?

While he is relatively unwanted at Arsenal, he is still a keeper of great quality, with extensive experience of the Premier League, Serie A and internationals, has proven his ability in two impressive seasons with Roma, and showcased his natural talent in North London at an extremely young age beforehand.

A player of his experience, his accomplishments and his ability commands a rather substantial fee, especially in the context of two young goalkeepers being sold for £30 million or more. The word on the street is that Arsenal are seeking £20 million for Szczesny’s services. That seems like a very fair price.

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Given his natural ability, his varied experience under a wide range of coaches in a number of different leagues and footballing cultures, Szczesny has the potential to develop into a truly elite goalkeeper. For a player of that calibre, with such a bright future, £20 million is a fair price for all parties involved.