Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny agrees new loan move to AS Roma

Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has agreed a new loan move to AS Roma following his successful spell with the Giallorossi during the 2015-2016 campaign, the clubs have confirmed. The Poland international expressed his delight at having the chance to return to Serie A. He will join Federico Fazio and Mohamed Salah at the Stadio Olimpico, after the Italians recently completed the loan arrival of the Tottenham Hotspur defender and the permanent transfer of the Chelsea outcast.

The 26-year-old custodian was recruited by Arsene Wenger from Legia Warsaw in 2006 as a prospect for the future. He progressed from the youth ranks until establishing himself as the Gunners number one, making 180 appearances for the club.

However, the arrivals of David Ospina and Petr Cech saw him forced to move on loan to the Stadio Olimpico during last summer's transfer window.

The Poland international took the most of his opportunity in Serie A, making 42 appearances for the Giallorossi, including eight in the Champions League.

With Cech, Ospina and the promising Emiliano Martinez still at Arsenal, the club have decided to renew Szczesny's loan spell at Roma for the 2016-17 campaign.

"Wojciech Szczesny has rejoined AS Roma on loan for the coming season," the Gunners confirmed. "Wojciech was a near ever-present for the Italian side last term. He made 34 league appearances and helped the club to a third-place finish in Serie A."

"Wojciech's loan is subject to the completion of regulatory processes. We wish him well for the season ahead."

The keeper has spoken of his hopes of replicating last season's form, and helping Roma challenge favourites Juventus and Napoli for the scudetto.

"I'm very happy," the Polish keeper said to Roma TV. "After a good season last year I had possibility of coming back and I was very happy that the coach wanted me. I'm delighted to be back and I hope that we can improve on what we did last season."