Arsenal: Walter Sabatini reveals AS Roma working on signing Wojciech Szczesny on permanent transfer

AS Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini has expressed his desire to sign goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny on a permanent transfer. The 25-year-old joined the Italian outfit on a season-long loan deal from Arsenal earlier in the summer transfer window.

Arsene Wenger signed Petr Cech from Chelsea and the player from the Czech Republic was the only new addition to the Gunners' squad for this season. After the arrival of Cech at the Emirates, Arsenal manager decided to allow Szczesny to leave on loan.

Szczesny won the FA Cup twice with the Gunners in the last two years and had seen his first team appearances limited to cup competitions in the second half of the 2014/15 campaign. The Polish stopper has started in 13 matches in all competitions for Roma. Sabatini has revealed the Serie A club is working on keeping Szczesny at Stadio Olimpico by signing him on a permanent transfer.

"We are working on it and would like to keep Szczesny, but knowing Arsenal it will be difficult to achieve that," Sabatini said, as quoted by Goal.com. "In any case, Roma are already covered in that role for next season. Who did we get? I would never tell you that!"

Cech is the first choice goalkeeper at Arsenal. The Gunners also have the services of David Ospina, who is their back-up for the former Chelsea star. Szczesny had earlier admitted that he would consider a return to the north London club after his loan spell. However, the on-loan Roma keeper has now confirmed that he would take a decision on his future after next summer's European championship.

"I can't imagine myself with other English teams. I love Arsenal but things are great at Roma as I have the faith of the coach, my teammates and the fans," Szczesny told przegladsportowy.pl. "I will decide my future after the Euros, though being starter at the runners-up in Italy is better than being on the bench in England. Leaving was difficult, but I didn't want to be a backup. Even Wenger thought it was better for me to play and I trust him."