by Mosope Ominiyi

As we said earlier this week, reports are now suggesting that The Toffees are eyeing a possible move for Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina.

The 26-year-old Colombian, who has done relatively well over the past few months when called upon by the Gunners, is reportedly set to be dropped to the club’s third-choice ‘keeper, following the arrival of Petr Cech from London rivals Chelsea for a transfer fee of £11million pounds earlier this summer.

He was originally signed by Arséne Wenger as competition for Wojciech Szczesny as they battled for the number one spot at the club. However, smoking in the showers incident prompted the Frenchman to opt for the slightly more experienced ‘keeper, Ospina as opposed to Szczesny after the disappointing 2-0 New Year’s Day loss against Southampton away from home.

Rumours suggested Ospina was set for a £4.3million move to join Turkish giants Fenerbahce, but the deal has reportedly collapsed as the ‘keeper vowed to fight for his place in the side – which is looking unlikely given the current goalkeeping situation.

Elsewhere

Emiliano Martinez is set for a loan spell elsewhere, whilst Ryan Huddart and Matt Macey – both of whom made their professional debuts on the substitutes’ bench earlier in the season – are either going to continue their development at young level or make the jump up at another club for regular first-team experience.

Everton, who currently have Tim Howard and Joel Robles as their number one and two choice goalkeepers respectively, struggled defensively in the 2014/15 term. Between them, they conceded 50 goals and Roberto Martinez is believed to be looking at his options to bolster his defensive capabilities within the squad as they attempt to qualify for the Europa League.

Robles, who has been inconsistent, is not yet fully ready for a starting berth with the Toffees. Howard, at age 36, is set to retire in the next year or two and Everton will need a replacement. Could Ospina be their new man?

Quite frankly, David has shown his class for both club and country with Colombia. Although he did not exactly set the world on-fire last season, partly due to injuries and being forced to wait patiently for his chance, he was effective when called upon with the north Londoners.

If he were to leave, you’d expect he’d go somewhere he could warrant a first-team regular place. If he wants to stay in England, a team like Everton would be perfect for him. Although he is a good goalkeeper, it’d be unfair to expect him to stay at Arsenal simply for the ‘novelty effect’ as they signed him after an impressive World Cup display last summer from Nice for £3.2million.

Cech is a great signal of intent by the club – they are eager to bring in world-class players and although the situation itself has not been handled in the best way possible, you’d be itching to sign the world’s best players if they became available. Wenger has done just this, and with Szczesny already publicly stating he wants to stay at Arsenal for many more years to come, you’d expect he’d continue to mature and develop under Petr’s wing.

Despite his criticism, most of which has been harsh, people are forgetting that Wojciech was the joint-winner of the 2013/14 Golden Glove. Who was the other winner, you ask? None other than Cech, of course.