Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Wojciech Szczesny is close to agreeing a loan move with Roma.

Earlier in the week the keeper’s decision to follow a host of the Italian side’s players on Instagram snowballed into speculation of a move to the Serie A giants.

We here at Arseblog News weren’t particularly convinced by the rumours, in part because the Pole had been clear about his willingness to learn from new boy Petr Cech, however, it appears there is substance after all…

Speaking at his pre-Emirates Cup press conference the boss confirmed that he is sanctioning a season-long deal with the Italian club while underlining that Szczesny still has a future at Arsenal.

“Szczesny will not be involved [this weekend] because he might move to Roma. I hope I can give 90 minutes to every player.

“He [Szczesny] could go. We are pretty much done, it’s down to paperwork.

“Yes [we are happy]. Szczesny is a top class goalkeeper and we have three who are all top. For one of the keepers, if he can play somewhere it is good.”

Quizzed as to whether sending Szczesny on loan is a risk – even though the club also have David Ospina on the books – Wenger admitted there was a chance it could back fire.

“I agree with you, that is the question that comes to mind,” he said.

“How much can he grow with Cech next to him if he is happy to share his huge experience? How much mentally can he live with the fact that he will not play regularly?

“I believe he will have a future at Arsenal because I rate him highly. I don’t want the opportunity he had at a young age to be wasted.

“He was open-minded [about the move]. He was ready for a fight here and he was ready to go somewhere and play. I believe he trusts me on that.”

It looks as though Petr Cech and Emiliano Martinez will share the glove-butlering duties this weekend as the Gunners take on Lyon and Wolfsburg. David Ospina will be due back in training next week after his international exploits with Colombia at the Copa America.