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Arsene Wenger on Wojciech Szczesny's loan to Roma: 'We are pretty much done'

Reuters

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed a loan deal for 'keeper Wojciech Szczesny to Roma is nearly complete.

"We are pretty much done, it's down to paperwork. As long as that's not over the line, anything can happen," Wenger said, according to club's official website.

With the signing of Petr Cech from Chelsea during this summer's transfer window, either one of David Ospina or Szczesny had become surplus to requirements at the Emirates.

"Szczesny is a top-class goalkeeper and we have three top goalkeepers. If one of the goalkeepers can play somewhere then it's good," Wenger said.

The 25-year-old shot stopper joined Arsenal's academy from Legia Warsaw in 2006. He's made 156 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions since making his Premier League debut in 2010.

Szczesny was heavily criticised last season following a 2-0 loss to Southampton at St. Mary's on New Year's Day. The Polish 'keeper was caught smoking a cigarette in the team's showers following a disastrous performance where he was responsible for both goals.

Following the incident, Ospina became Wenger's first choice and Szczesny appeared to be out of favour. Despite this, Wenger insists the lanky 'keeper still has a future at the North London club.

"I believe he will have a future at Arsenal because I personally rate him highly. I put him in the first team at the age of 20 and he already has huge experience."

Wenger continued, "I don't want that experience he got when he was very young to be wasted and that is why I gave him the opportunity.

"I believe Roma is a big club and they play in the Champions League, play in a very different championship as well and that is a big experience for him and he is 25 years old."

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