Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina is closing in on a move to Istanbul heavyweights Besiktas, according to Turkish outlet Skor.
The Gunners stopper has fallen to third choice in the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium, behind Petr Cech and summer signing Bernd Leno.
New Arsenal manager Unai Emery is keen to make improvements to his squad, and Ospina’s sale is likely being sanctioned in order to strengthen other areas.
Turkish giants Besiktas are in need of a ‘keeper having recently agreed to sell their first choice Fabri to Premier League newboys Fulham.
Ospina would likely represent a bargain buy for Besiktas, with Arsenal willing to sell to get the Colombian off the books and the player still just 29-years-old.
Ospina played four times for Colombia in the World Cup finals this summer, eventually going out to England on penalties. He has won 90 caps for his country in all.
Good move for Arsenal?
Ospina has never been a true number one for Arsenal. He’s filled in for a run of games on occasion and played the majority of cup games, but it’s clear that Arsene Wenger didn’t see him as an elite level shot-stopper. Now it appears that Emery doesn’t either. Cech was already ahead of Ospina, and since the arrival of Leno it’s been clear that the Colombian’s days at the club are numbered. Besiktas is a good team for him, providing him with European football in what is a growing league. Arsenal likely won’t receive much, but that’s by design. The main thing here is for him to be off the wage books, three goalkeepers on big money is simply too many.
This is Futbol rating: 9/10
Likely to happen?
There’s no real reason why it shouldn’t. The deal works for everyone, with all parties getting what they want. Ospina is a talented goalkeeper, just not quite good enough to be first choice at a club like Arsenal. Besiktas is a good destination for him.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10