Wojciech Szczesny urged to quit Arsenal by former Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek

Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has been urged to quit the Gunners by former Liverpool stopper Jerzy Dudek in order to save his international career.

Arsene Wenger has preferred summer signing David Ospina as his number one keeper in the Premier League and has only used the Pole for Arsenal's FA Cup matches.

The French manager axed Szczesny after the Poland international was caught smoking in the showers following the north London club's defeat to Southampton on New Year's Day.

The Colombian international, who initially struggled with injuries, has made the number one slot in the team his own after a string of impressive performances for the in-form Gunners, who have won six straight Premier League games following their loss at White Hart Lane in February.

Former Liverpool star Dudek feels that the Pole should leave the club after falling down the pecking order and wants his compatriot to make a decision sooner rather than later.

"It's a serious matter. If I were in his place, I would wonder whether there are still opportunities to arise at Arsenal and wouldn't wait as long as Fabianski, because you can see that Arsene Wenger is firmly set on David Ospina," Dudek said, as quoted by the Mirror.

The former Poland international is worried for the Arsenal goalkeeper, as he feels that his place in the national team could be jeopardised due to his lack of game time. But he is confident that Lukasz Fabianski, who moved to Swansea City in the summer from the Emirates Stadium, will be an able replacement for Szczesny.

"Fortunately, [Poland] have two other goalkeepers who are able to provide an adequate level in our goal."

"Lukasz Fabianski is in excellent form and, on the other hand, Artur Boruc is very experienced. I think [Adam] Nawalka [Poland manager] will wait to make the decision until the very end. Wojciech is the least likely to play in the match with Ireland," Dudek explained.