Arsene Wenger promised David Ospina he would start ahead of Petr Cech in Champions League to keep him at Arsenal
Colombian produced a fine performance in draw against PSG and was also told he is first choice in FA Cup and League Cup
ARSENE WENGER reportedly promised David Ospina he would be Arsenal’s Champions League goalkeeper this season after the player tried to leave over the summer.
Gunners fans were surprised to see the Colombian start ahead of Petr Cech in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw against Paris Saint-Germain following a costly mistake against Panathinaikos last season.
Ospina was arguably Arsenal’s man of the match in Paris, pulling off a number of fine stops to earn a crucial point for his side.
And claims supporters can expect to see Ospina continue between the sticks in Europe – as well as in the League Cup and FA Cup.
The former Nice star reportedly pushed for a move away from the Emirates during the transfer window, with Everton and a number of Turkish clubs interested.
However, Wenger was determined to keep hold of Ospina and allegedly told him he would be Arsenal’s first-choice goalie in all competitions apart from the Premier League.
Wenger also apparently told Ospina things could change if his performances weren’t up to scratch, but on the basis of last night, the 28-year-old has nothing to worry about.
The Gunners boss’ bold strategy is similar to the one employed by Luis Enrique at Barcelona over the past two seasons.
Claudio Bravo – now at Manchester City – was the club’s first-choice in La Liga, while Marc-Andre ter Stegen started all of their European and Cup games.