Roma Still Waiting for Arsenal Keeper Szczesny

The "will he won't he" situation around the potential return of Wojceich Szczesny continued this week as the gaffer spoke to the press about the club's attempt to extend the Pole's loan. His comments made apparent how he views his keeper situation: "both the goalkeepers [Alison and Lobont] are strong, but we still don't have Szczesny," Luciano Spaletti said, according to the Evening Standard.

So even though the club has signed the Brazilian starlet Alisson, management is looking to keep Szczesny in the starting XI. With Petr Cech securing the starting keeper spot with Arsenal, Szczesny has a desire to get playing time for a club who has enhanced his career. So why isn't the deal done? Likely Arsenal are waiting to see if Colombia's David Ospina moves on, meaning Arsenal need to keep the Pole as their second keeper. In addition, Arsenal tend to send players on loan before selling them, so the negotiations could be to secure a better fee for an eventual sale.

Kevin gave a good summary of the keeper situation during the season, but what has changed since then? Szczesny started in the Euros before (shockingly) being withdrawn with injury and watching his former teammate Lukasz Fabianski excel for the upstart Polish team. Alisson started for Brazil in the Copa America and while he was not solely responsible for the disaster that wore the Brazil shirt, he also didn't cover himself in glory.

This is why the gaffer is going to the press almost begging for a Szczesny deal. Despite the criticism of his play and his frequent injuries, the Pole is Roma's best option in net this season. Alisson is an intriguing talent, and one day could do for i Giallorossi what Julio Cesar did for Inter. But even though he was an established starter in Brazil, he is too raw to be depended upon right now. Need proof?

If a deal can't be reached, add keeper to the growing list of concerns entering the season.