Retired ex-Gunner considering Barcelona deal despite Arsenal request | OneFootball

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is contemplating a dramatic return to football, just four weeks after announcing his retirement.

The 34-year-old is reportedly considering an ’emergency call’ from Barcelona following the serious injury sustained by the Spanish club’s first-choice keeper, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, which could see the German sidelined for the rest of the season.

VILLARREAL, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 22: Marc-Andre ter Stegen of FC Barcelona is stretchered off during the LaLiga match between Villarreal CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio de la Ceramica on September 22, 2024 in Villarreal, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Ter Stegen ruptured his patella tendon during Barcelona’s recent La Liga victory over Villarreal, leaving the club in desperate need of an experienced goalkeeper.

This has prompted Barcelona to explore the possibility of signing Szczesny, who ended his career in August after mutually terminating his contract with Juventus.

Szczesny had earlier considered a return to Arsenal over the summer, with Mikel Arteta searching for a backup to current number one David Raya.

Before officially retiring, Szczesny held talks with Arsenal about a potential comeback but decided against the move.

“I was open to talks with Arsenal because of the respect and sentiment for the club,” Szczesny said. “But when I started talking, I knew it wasn’t for me. The Arsenal option came up before the Juventus contract was terminated.

“I said, ‘OK, we can talk.’ But two days later, I said it didn’t make much sense.”

DOHA, QATAR: Wojciech Szczesny of Poland during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group C match between Poland and Argentina at Stadium 974 on November 30, 2022. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Szczesny, who has 84 caps for Poland, decided to hang up his gloves this summer, stating that although his body was still capable of playing, his “heart is not there anymore.”

Despite this, the opportunity to join Barcelona and reunite with fellow Polish international Robert Lewandowski could be enough to entice him back to the pitch.

Barcelona are due to meet Szczesny’s representatives this week to discuss the possibility of a short-term deal.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is obviously keen to find a suitable replacement for ter Stegen and has also considered other options, including Keylor Navas, who is currently a free agent.

Navas, who has kept himself in shape by training with Costa Rican side Deportivo Saprissa, is said to be another contender for the role, but Szczesny’s is said to be the preferred keeper.