Arsenal Push to Secure Colombia Star David Ospina's Services from Nice as Fabianski Replacement

Arsenal have reportedly stepped up their efforts to sign Colombia star David Ospina from Ligue 1 outfit Nice in the ongoing transfer window.

The Daily Mail claims that Arsene Wenger has earmarked the 25-year-old as the ideal candidate to challenge Wojciech Szczesny for a place in the Gunners' starting lineup.

The departure of Lukasz Fabianski to Swansea City has left the Frenchman with a void to fill and he has been actively monitoring various shot-stoppers to take the 29-year-old Polish international's place.

The north London club had reportedly filed an improved £8m offer for Cardiff City goalkeeper David Marshall after the initial bid of £6m was rejected. However, the Blue Birds are believed to be holding out £15m, with Southampton also thought to have shown interest in the Scotland international.

Another Championship goalkeeper Karl Darlow of Nottingham Forest is also thought to be on Wenger's radar alongside Mexico's Guillermo Ochoa, who is currently a free-agent after seeing out his contract with AC Ajaccio.

Ospina has plied his trade in Ligue 1 since making the switch from Atletico Nacional in his native in 2008. He has steadily grown in stature at the Allianz Riviera, putting in consistent performances.

The Colombian international made 29 league appearances and his efforts helped Nice avoid relegation on the final day of last season. Ospina has already entered the final year of his contract and the Mirror's report states that he could be available for just £3m.

The 25-year-old enjoyed a good run at the World Cup in Brazil, conceding four goals in six matches as Jose Pekerman's side crashed out in the quarterfinals to the hosts. Should Ospina make the move to the Emirates, he will be keen on a regular starting role than warm the bench or feature in cup competitions.

Meanwhile, Wenger is also aiming to bolster other areas of his squad.

Arsenal are said to be closing in on completing Alexis Sanchez's transfer from Barcelona and are also on the brink of completing a £11m move for Newcastle United right-back Mathieu Debuchy

Former Gunners midfielder Edu Gaspar is ambitions and claims the north Londoners can win the Premier League next season if they sign Sanchez and Debuchy.

"Arsenal are still in my heart and I still follow Arsene Wenger. I have a big relationship with that club. If they sign them of course Arsene Wenger is very clever," Edu told talkSPORT.

"Everybody knows he is good at signing players, particularly young ones, and they can give good things to Arsenal and make them better and stronger as they look to win the Premier League," the 36-year-old Brazilian concluded.