by Lewis Ambrose
The future of Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina has been up in the air since the signing of Petr Čech, but the goalkeeper has said he wants to stay at the club.
The Colombian recently played at the Copa América, so still won’t return to pre-season training as the Arsenal squad prepares for the new season.
However, he has said that when he does return he wants to fight for his place and is happy about the signing of Čech, rather than threatened by it.
“I want to stay at Arsenal,” said the Colombian.
“I am very happy in London with my family, so I hope I respect my four-year contract with the club.
The Colombian, who made 23 Arsenal appearances last season, called Čech “a goalkeeper with much experience that [Ospina] can learn from.”
Ospina also confirmed interest from Everton which we had reported at the beginning of the week, but said he is totally focused on Arsenal.
“Everton is a team to be reckoned with and a great opportunity,” said Ospina, who also confirmed there are “other options” in Europe.
Despite that he wants to think about Arsenal and aims to discuss his future with Arsène Wenger when he returns to training.
“I received some criticism when I arrived at Arsenal. People raised the issue of the size and journalists said I was not big enough for a Premier League keeper, but the coach gave me the opportunity and I took it.
“I want to keep displaying my level and everything I can offer to Arsenal.”
With Čech joining the club that will be difficult, and it seems pretty certain that one of Ospina or Wojciech Szczesny will have to make way.