Arsenal sign Colombia’s Ospina for Undisclosed Fee
Opeyemi Oladunjoye
Arsenal have announced the signing of the Colombia goalkeeper, David Ospina from Nice on a long-term contract.
The 25-year-old, who impressed as Colombia reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Brazil, has moved to the Emirates Stadium for an undisclosed fee.
Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, told his club’s official website: “David Ospina is an excellent goalkeeper, with good experience and a proven record of performing with Nice and Colombia. He will add strength to our squad and we are very pleased that he will be joining us.”
The keeper is expected to make his first appearance for Arsenal during the Emirates Cup friendly tournament, which takes place in north London next weekend.
Ospina made 189 Ligue 1 appearances during six years with Nice, having joined them from Colombian club, Atletico Nacional in 2008. He made his senior debut for Atletico at only 17 and has been a full Colombia international since 2007, making his first start in a 2010 World Cup qualification match against Bolivia.
At Arsenal, he will replace Lukasz Fabianski, who has joined Swansea, and provide competition for first-choice keeper Wojciech Szczesny.
Nice coach, Claude Puel, on Saturday night confirmed Ospina’s move to London and told Arsenal’s fans they could expect some quality displays from the new signing.