Arsenal

Arsene Wenger challenges David Ospina to rival Petr Cech

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 09 August 2017

Arsene Wenger admits that forcing David Ospina to stay at Arsenal "was not easy", but is hopeful that the Colombian can now rival Petr Cech for a regular starting spot.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has warned Petr Cech that he is not guaranteed to remain number-one keeper this season as David Ospina is hot on his heels.

The Gunners have rejected bids for back-up stopper Ospina this summer, leading to the Colombia international to publicly declare his intention to stay in place for at least another year.

Wenger admits that he struggled with his decision to keep the former Nice man in place at the Emirates Stadium, amid particularly strong interest from Fenerbahce, but is hopeful that he can provide some stern competition to experienced keeper Cech.

"It was not easy, because of course all these players want to play," he told reporters. "They are top level players, they want to go to the World Cup but he will get a number of games here and he will fight with Petr Cech.

"The fight is quite open. At the moment I play Petr Cech but this battle is not won definitely by Petr Cech because I rate Ospina highly and anyway, we play other competitions and he will play."

Cech was given the nod over Ospina in Sunday's Community Shield clash with Chelsea, which Arsenal went on to win on penalties following a 1-1 draw in normal time.