Legendary Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech could complete his transfer to city rivals Arsenal before the weekend, commanding a supposed fee of around £11 million, according to reports.
BREAKING: Sky Sources: Arsenal agree £10.9m fee with Chelsea for Petr Cech. #SSNHQ
— Sky Sports News HQ (@SkySportsNewsHQ) June 23, 2015
The Czech stopper has found playing time more difficult to come by since the return of 23-year-old Thibaut Courtois from loan last summer. He was given permission by manager Jose Mourinho to contact other clubs in search of first-team football, though it is understood the Portuguese tactician would prefer he stay with the club.
Cech managed only six Premier League starts and one substitute appearance in the 2014/15 season, compared to 34 starts the previous season. The total was his lowest since joining Chelsea from Rennes in the summer of 2004.
While his time on the pitch for the Stamford Bridge outfit was limited, he conceded only two goals and accumulated four clean sheets.
During his time between the sticks for Chelsea, Cech helped the club lift four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three English League Cups, one Champions League and one Europa League title.
Bob Wilson, a former Arsenal and Scotland goalkeeper, believes Cech can be an instrumental addition to the Arsenal squad, saying, “It’s an amazing possibility for Arsenal, and I wish this was an absolute definite.”
He went on to say, “He will be a huge step forward, it’s an improvement for the side, which is why you go for it.”
If the move the transfer does in fact go through, there is little doubt current Arsenal goalkeepers Wojciech Szczęsny and David Ospina will fall down the pecking order, with Cech believed to be the starting ‘keeper.
Chelsea captain and former England international John Terry expressed his belief that Cech could be an invaluable signing for suitors Arsenal. “There is obviously talk of Arsenal signing Petr and if they do get Pete, that will strengthen them for sure,” he said. “He will save them 12 to 15 points a season.”
