Arsenal eye return for ex-star who angered Arsene Wenger to avoid homegrown rule breach

Arsenal are reportedly considering a shock move for former star Wojciech Szczesny, who once ruffled feathers under Arsene Wenger, in an attempt to avoid breaching Premier League homegrown player rules. The Gunners may be on the hunt for a new keeper if Aaron Ramsdale departs in the summer transfer window.

Premier League regulations require clubs to include at least eight homegrown players in their 25-man squads at the start of each season. Arsenal named 11 in their squad for the 2023-24 campaign, but several could be on their way out.

Ramsdale, an England international, has been linked with a move away after losing his spot as the first-choice goalkeeper. There's also doubt over whether David Raya — another homegrown talent — will have his loan deal made permanent.

Interest in Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson is expected to heat up in the coming months. James Hillson, the 23-year-old keeper, could also be on his way out, potentially leaving Arsenal with just five homegrown stars over the age of 21.

The Evening Standard reports that the north London side plans to address this issue by bringing in a homegrown keeper. Szczesny, a product of the club's academy who played 181 senior games, is reportedly being considered alongside Brighton's Jason Steele, reports the Express.

The Poland international has been with Juventus since leaving Arsenal in 2017, but his time at the Gunners ended in controversy. Szczesny's stint at Arsenal came to an abrupt halt following a smoking incident after a 2-0 loss to Southampton in 2015.

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Arsene Wenger was incensed by Szczesny's actions, leading to a hefty £20,000 fine and the goalkeeper being