‘Cech is tops – and could get better’
Thursday, 30th July 2015
New signing Petr Cech
Published: 30 July, 2015
by STEVE BARNETT
ARSENE Wenger won’t be too concerned at seeing shot-stopper Wojciech Szczesny heading out on loan after revealing that he thinks he has signed new No 1 Petr Cech at “the peak” of his powers.
Szczesny joined Serie A side Roma yesterday (Wednesday) on a season-long deal after slipping down the pecking order at Arsenal following the arrival Cech last month.
With Cech in line to face his old team-mates on Sunday when the Gunners tackle Chelsea in the FA Community Shield at Wembley, Wenger is convinced that the best is yet to come from the 33-year-old goalkeeper.
“Petr was already at the top but I believe that you can never deny that you can improve,” said the Arsenal manager.
“He’s at the stage of his career, between 33 and 37, where a goalkeeper can be at his peak, and he has the desire. As long as you have the right attitude you can always improve in life. I don’t think it’s down to different training methods, it’s just down to him to keep himself at the top physically; and with his experience he will always improve.”
Cech’s £11million arrival at the Emirates Stadium has cast major doubts over whether Szczesny will return to Arsenal.
The Polish international lost his first-team place last season after a 2-0 Premier League defeat at Southampton in January. Szczesny was at fault for both goals at St Mary’s and was reportedly fined and dropped after getting caught smoking in the showers after the game.
He wasted little time endearing himself to the Roma faithful as he told the club website: “I’ve come here to win games and trophies and I believe that the team is strong enough to do so.
“I think there’s great potential. I know the faces of the players and I know their names so hopefully I will settle in very quickly.”
Meanwhile Arsenal have beaten their Premier League rivals to the signature of Ajax academy graduate Donyell Malen, according to the Dutch club. Wim Jonk, head of youth development, said: “Donyell is a great talent. It is extremely unfortunate that he is leaving Ajax.
“We made him an excellent offer and presented a clear development plan. If the player still makes another choice, it is disappointing.”
