ARSENAL SEAL OSPINA DEAL

Saturday 26 July 2014

Nice claim that Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina has completed his move to Arsenal.

Arsenal have not yet confirmed the signing but the move has been expected for some time, with the Gunners reportedly paying Nice just over £3million for Ospina.

Speaking to Sky Sports News after the 3-2 friendly defeat at Brentford on Saturday, Nice head coach Claude Puel said: "It's confirmed, yes. He's a very good goalkeeper, you saw in the World Cup how important a goalkeeper he is.

"It's important for him to try another league, another club and Arsenal is a fantastic club for him. He can take the No.1 jersey at Arsenal because he is very strong.

"It is confirmed for me that he is going, yes. He's good with his feet and his hands. He knows the game very well and is a very good player. It's a good deal for Arsenal."

With Lukasz Fabianski departed for Swansea, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger wants competition for Wojciech Szczesny. 

And Ospina, who had a hugely impressive World Cup with Colombia, will provide it. 

"You know at the start Szczensy will be the No.1, then again we'll be down to performances and, if Ospina shows that he is better, he will play," the Gunners boss told ESPN.

Ospina becomes the third major arrival at the Emirates this summer, following the captures of Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona and Mathieu Debuchy from Newcastle.

Sky sources believe Calum Chambers could be the fourth new signing with Wenger set to bid £16million for the Southampton defender.

Ospina, 25, played 135 French league games for Nice since joining them from Colombian side Atletico Nacional in July 2009.

He had one year left on his contract at Nice, but reportedly rejected the offer of a new deal in May.