
English Premier League side Arsenal said on Sunday they have signed Colombia's World Cup goalkeeper David Ospina from French club Nice.
Ospina, 25, was one of the stars of the World Cup with spectacular performances as his country reached the quarter-finals for the first time. He will compete for an Arsenal starting place with Polish international Wojciech Szczesny.
Arsenal said he would sign a "long-term contract", but did not give the fee. French reports this week said Arsenal would pay about four million euros ($5.4 million). Ospina has been at Nice for six seasons.
"David Ospina is an excellent goalkeeper, with good experience and a proven record of performing with Nice and Colombia," said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.
"He will add strength to our squad and we are very pleased that he will be joining us."
Ospina is expected to make his first appearance at the Emirates Cup friendly tournament, which takes place at Arsenal next weekend.
Ospina joined Nice in 2008 from Colombian side Atletico Nacional, for whom he made his professional debut at the age of only 17.
He made his international debut in 2007 and was handed his first start in a 2010 World Cup qualifying match against Bolivia.
His arrival at Arsenal follows the departure of second-choice goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, who has joined Swansea City.
Nice coach Claude Puel had confirmed the transfer late on Saturday, after his side lost to London club Brentford in a friendly.
"It's confirmed, yes," Puel told Sky Sports News.
"It's a good affair for Arsenal because he's a very good player. You will see next season the quality of this player.
"It's fantastic for him. It's important for him to try another league, another club, and Arsenal is a fantastic club for him.
"You saw in the World Cup how important a goalkeeper he is," said Puel.
Source: AFP
GMT 08:04 2018 Sunday ,09 December
Leaders Dortmund edge Schalke in derby, Bayern winGMT 12:42 2018 Friday ,02 November
Brexit and the Premier League - English clubs have concernsGMT 06:51 2018 Sunday ,21 October
Man City, Liverpool remain unbeaten, Chelsea rescued by late goalGMT 10:33 2018 Tuesday ,16 October
Maltese club in talks with Usain Bolt, president confirmsGMT 14:56 2018 Monday ,08 October
Barca held again as Sevilla lead La LigaGMT 15:11 2018 Sunday ,07 October
Sacking Lopetegui would be crazy, says Real captain RamosGMT 12:11 2018 Thursday ,04 October
Liverpool sunk by late Lorenzo Insigne strikeGMT 10:58 2018 Wednesday ,03 October
More woe for Mourinho as Valencia hold Manchester UnitedMaintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor