Barcelona make shock approach to sign former Arsenal star who rejected Mikel Arteta in the summer

Arsenal faced problems over their goalkeeping situation in the summer after several departures, and needed to sign a backup to David Raya.

Raya has been outstanding this season after cementing his place as the Arsenal number one. It has been a roller-coaster year for Raya, after he controversially replaced Aaron Ramsdale for Arteta.

Ramsdale departed for Southampton as a result, and Arsenal targeted Spanish goalkeeping prospect Joan Garcia to replace him. However, Espanyol’s asking price was too high, and Arteta was left scrambling on transfer deadline day.

Arsenal did then sign Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto on loan, but with the Brazilian cup-tied, Arsenal may now have to start teenager Jack Porter against Bolton in the Carabao Cup.

Had they recruited a different backup keeper earlier in the summer, this could have been avoided, and they did try to sign Wojciech Szczesny, who left Arsenal in 2016. However, Szczesny rejected Arsenal’s approach, but could still join Barcelona.

Barcelona make approach for former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny

Szczesny departed Juventus after an incredibly successful spell, and Arsenal made an approach for him after he became a free agent.

Arsenal even offered Szczesny a coaching role to convince him to rejoin his old club, but he rejected the move and announced his shock retirement, claiming that he wanted to exit football as a whole.

However, Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Barcelona have approached Szczesny’s agency to convince him to come out of retirement to join the club.

“Wojciech Szczesny’s agents CAA Stellar have been approached by Barcelona to discuss potential terms. Szczesny announced his retirement this summer but Barça want to understand his situation,” Romano posted on X.

Barcelona were dealt a huge blow as goalkeeper Marc Andre Ter Stegen picked up a long-term injury at the weekend, and they are keen on signing Szczesny as a temporary solution.

Why Wojciech Szczesny retired despite Arsenal offer

Szczesny could have returned to Arsenal this summer, but he confirmed that he had no intention of continuing his playing career.

“Everything that I have and everything that I am I owe to the beautiful game of football,” he posted on his Instagram account.

“But I also gave the game all I had. I gave the game 18 years of my life, everyday, without excuses. Today, tough my body still feels ready for challenges, my heart is not there anymore.

“I feel that right now it is time to give all of my attention to my family – my amazing wife Marina and our two beautiful children Liam and Noelia.

“Therefore I have decided to retire from professional football. A journey’s end is a time for reflection and gratitude.”

It remains to be seen whether he would accept any offer from Barcelona now. Arsenal had intended to sign Szczesny as a backup, but this would give him the chance to be first-choice again. However, if he really is keen to exit football, then it seems unlikely that he will agree to join the Spanish giants.