Juventus demand £21m to sell Wojciech Szczesny to Arsenal amid Bernd Leno doubt

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According to Calciomercato.it, Juventus are looking to sell Arsenal target Wojciech Szczesny to free space for Gianluigi Donnarumma to join.

Donnarumma will leave AC Milan once his contract expires this summer as he is ready to accept a new challenge. His agent, Mino Raiola, is frantically searching for the right option, amid interest from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain rivalling Juve.

Raiola has even been in Milan recently and could meet with Juventus’ hierarchy to discuss a move to Turin soon. But Barcelona refuse to miss out on the Italy international, who Duncan Castle claims has agreed to join PSG.

Juventus must clear a spot in Massimiliano Allegri’s squad for Donnarumma to join, putting Szczesny’s future in doubt. It would not make financial or technical sense to retain both goalkeepers who are first-choice calibre options.

Szczesny is a fan of Allegri from their time together at the Allianz Stadium before the Italian resigned in 2019. He became the returning coach’s favoured option during his final year in charge and won back-to-back Serie A titles.

But the Old Lady are looking for buyers with several suitors emerging in the Premier League. Among them include Arsenal, four years after leaving north London for Turin, as a reunion cannot be ruled out.

The Gunners would, however, face a €25million (£21m) asking price, with Juve aiming for no less. His exit is vital for the arrival of Donnarumma, despite keeping six clean sheets in the Serie A last season.

TBR’s view: Szczesny a solid Leno heir for Arsenal

Arsenal reuniting with Szczesny would surely only come if Mikel Arteta parts with his currently favoured goalkeeper Bernd Leno. But many at the Emirates do expect the German will leave the club this summer (Telegraph), creating a potential opening.

Szczesny would offer Arsenal a solid replacement if Arteta is able to meet Juventus’ £21m price tag. He would easily regain the number one jersey the 31-year-old previously wore in north London. The Poland international has been a top performer in Italy for the past few years with few better in goal.

A return to the Emirates would also allow the 52-cap shot-stopper the chance to end some unfinished business. Szczesny stated that he dreamed of returning after joining Roma on loan, but would never play another game for them.

Arteta bringing him back would also allow Szczesny the chance to fulfil Arsene Wenger’s legacy. The former Gunners boss stated via Metro in 2013: “He reminds me of [Jens] Lehmann and I gave him Lehmann as an example. When I dropped Lehmann, he told me: ‘I will force you to play me again.’ Wojciech didn’t say the same, but he came back well.”