Former Arsenal star, 34, makes shock retirement U-turn to join Barcelona just 29 days after hanging up hit boots
A FORMER Arsenal star has come out of retirement to make a shock move to Barcelona.
The LaLiga giants were in need of another goalkeeper after the horror injury to Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
The German international has been ruled out for the season as he tore the patellar tendon in his right knee.
Barcelona were quickly moved into the transfer market to try and find a replacement.
One problem was that the window is now shut and the club could only sign free agents.
Barcelona were linked with moves to sign the likes of Sergio Rico and Keylor Navas but have opted for someone else.
Wojciech Szczesny, 34, is set to join the club on a one-year deal to cover for the injured Ter Stegen.
The Polish star had only retired from playing 29 days ago, having left Juventus at the end of last season.
He has confirmed that talks are underway with himself and the club.
He told Sport: “I’m now in talks and considering Barça move.
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“It’d be disrespectful if I didn’t consider this option for my career.
“Barca is one of the best clubs in the world.”
Szczesny is set to have a medical at the club tomorrow before signing his contract.
He will also be able to be registered for the Champions League squad by manager Hansi Flick.
The goalkeeper spent 11 years at Arsenal between 2006 and 2017.
He was rated one of the most promising in the world, having made 132 appearances in the Premier League.
However, he fell out of favour at the Emirates and was loaned to Roma for two years in 2015.
He left Arsenal permanently in 2017 to join Juventus, where he won three Serie A titles.
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