Colombia’s star goalkeeper of the World Cup, David Ospina, has agreed to join London’s soccer club Arsenal for $5.1 million, according to British newspaper the Guardian.
The rumors of Ospina’s transfer to legendary English side Arsenal are now all but official, as English media reports the agreement of a deal between David Ospina and the London-based club.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger found Ospina, whose contract with French side OGC Nice expired at the end of last season, to be one of the more coveted goalkeepers in the world, known for his commitment when going after dangerous situations.
Arsenal placed fourth in the last English Premiere League (EPL) season while competing in the Champion’s League playoff round. This will provide the opportunity for Ospina, following an official announcement, to play in the Champion’s League should Arsenal win the necessary matches.
The Guardian reports that Ospina will be competing with Arsenal’s current starting goalkeeper, 24- year-old Wojciech Szczęsny.
Ospina, originally from Medellin, started at goalkeeper for his hometown club Atletico Nacional at the age of 17 before moving to France at the age of 20 to play for OGC Nice. Ospina received an offer from Turkish side Besiktas in 2012, which he turned down.
The Colombian keeper played a crucial role in Colombia’s World Cup qualifying campaign allowing the fewest goals of all South American goalkeepers. The 2014 World Cup in Brazil allowed Ospina to shine on an international stage, with only four goals against him and several spectacular saves.
Since the World Cup, two other Colombian notables have been snatched-up in new deals with European teams.
The biggest transfer was that of midfielder James Rodriguez, whose World Cup accolades drove Spain’s Real Madrid to purchase him from France’s Monaco for $114 million.
MORE: Colombia’s James Rodriguez officially joins Real Madrid
Additionally, Colombian winger Juan Cuadrado has been eyed by England’s Manchester United, and more recently, Barcelona FC.