Nice manager Claude Puel has confirmed David Ospina’s departure to Arsenal FC. He spoke about what the Gooners can expect from the Colombian international.
After weeks of paper talks and rumours, Nice manager Claude Puel has confirmed the departure of David Ospina to Arsenal. This comes after Arsene Wenger confirmed the same yesterday in an interview.
David Ospina joined Nice in 2008 as Hugo Lloris left Allianz Riviera to join Lyon. The 25-year-old custodian established himself in the first team since his arrival and has already made 177 appearances in the league for the French club.
Ospina has produced some consistent performances for Nice in the last two seasons. It is incredible to think that he managed to keep 12 cleans sheets in 28 league appearances for a side which narrowly escaped relegation in 2013-14.
But the Colombian international gained the spots lights recently for his performances in the World Cup for his national side as Los Cafeteros reached the quarter-finals of the tournament. Ospina pulled out some stunning saves during his stint in Brazil and now the Arsenal fans will hope to experience some more of those at the Emirates.
The Gunners are expected to spend heavily on this transfer market and Arsene Wenger is planning on more additions after the arrival of Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona and Mathieu Debuchy from Newcastle United. A new goalkeeper was at the top of Wenger’s priority list as they looked for Lukasz Fabianski’s replacement. The Polish goalkeeper refused a contract extension and opted to join Swansea City in search of regular first team action and Arsenal were in need of new custodian.
Arsenal have been linked with a host of names – from Real Madrid’s Iker Casillas to Nottingham Forest’s Karl Darlow. Arsene Wenger was also keen to sign David Marshall from Cardiff City, but was put off by their demands. Cardiff reportedly wanted £10 million for their player and Wenger believed he can get a better deal elsewhere.
David Ospina has been linked with the Gunners since the start of the World Cup and reports suggested that Arsenal have already reached an agreement with Nice for his transfer. The reported transfer fee is €4m million plus add-ons, which is extremely cheap for someone of Ospina’s quality, although he was in the last year of his current contract.
Arsene Wenger has confirmed the signing of David Ospina in an interview yesterday, and now Nice manager Claude Puel has revealed the same.
“It’s confirmed, yes. He’s a very good goalkeeper, you saw in the World Cup how important a goalkeeper he is.
“It’s important for him to try another league, another club and Arsenal is a fantastic club for him. He can take the No.1 jersey at Arsenal because he is very strong.
“It is confirmed for me that he is going, yes. He’s good with his feet and his hands. He knows the game very well and is a very good player. It’s a good deal for Arsenal.” – Puel said.
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