Besiktas in advanced talks for David Ospina

Turkish heavyweights Besiktas are reportedly in advanced discussions with Arsenal to pursue the signature of David Ospina. The Colombian goalkeeper has been the back-up goalkeeper for the Gunners over the past three seasons but the arrival of Bernd Leno from Bayer Leverkusen has meant that he has now become the third-choice shot-stopper.

As a result, Ospina is desperate to leave the Emirates Stadium before the transfer deadline across Europe and Besiktas are reported to be leading the race. According to The Sun, the former Turkish champions have identified Ospina as their prime target for the number one role, which remains up for grabs following the departure of Fabri to Fulham.

Despite this, the deal does not appear straightforward with the Turkish outfit wanting to sign the goalkeeper on a season-long loan before taking the option to buy. Earlier last month, there were suggestions that Petr Cech could be the goalkeeper sacrificed with Serie A club Napoli keen on offering him with regular first-team football.

However, the 36-year-old turned down the prospect to remain with the north Londoners and Unai Emery has since suggested that Ospina may make way before the end of the month. Aside from Ospina, Carl Jenkinson and Joel Campbell may also be shown the exit door after being deemed surplus to requirements under the tutelage of the new Gunners boss.

Arsenal began their Premier League season in a disappointing fashion as they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City. Their campaign is unlikely to get any easier during the upcoming weekend where they have another testing challenge against cross-town rivals Chelsea on the road.

The north London outfit have had the better of their London rivals over the past 15 months where they have gone unbeaten in six meetings but they still face a tough task on their hands with the Blues now under the new management of Maurizio Sarri.