Arsenal complete deal for Colombia keeper David Ospina

Arsenal, 6/1 shots with Coral for the Premier League title, have completed the capture of Colombia custodian David Ospina, handing him a long-term contract after signing for an undisclosed fee from Ligue 1 outfit Nice.

Ospina, 25, who starred in between the sticks for the South American nation at the World Cup, has joined Arsene Wenger’s side for a reported £3m.

Gunners boss Wenger was in the market for a goalie to provide competition for number one Wojciech Szczesny, after fellow Polish stopper Lukasz Fabianski left the Emirates on a free transfer for Swansea City when out of contract. Italian keeper Emiliano Viviano has returned to parent club Palermo following a loan spell at Arsenal, but never played.

On international duty at the World Cup, Ospina conceded just four goals in five games as Colombia lost in the quarter-finals to hosts Brazil. Jose Pekerman’s Coffee Growers impressed at the tournament, and some of their stars, including Golden Boot winner James Rodriguez, have earned summer moves.

Linked with Turkish giants Besiktas in 2012, Ospina’s arrival at the Gunners follows those of Chile attacker Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona, and Newcastle United and France right back Mathieu Debuchy. He played 135 Ligue 1 games for Nice across five seasons.

Wenger is also set to sign Southampton’s highly-rated teenage defender Calum Chambers for a reported £16m. That move is one being made with a view to giving Debuchy strong competition for a starting spot. It also means current understudy right back Carl Jenkinson could leave north London on loan, with Hull City boss Steve Bruce confirming his interest.

“You know at the start Szczesny will be the number one,” Wenger said. “Then again, we’ll be down to performances and, if Ospina shows that he is better, he will play.” The Gunners are 25/1 chances to win the Champions League.