Chelsea’s goalkeeper Petr Cech is reportedly close to leaving Stamford Bridge in order to join their London rivals Arsenal.
Despite Jose Mourinho’s reluctance to let Cech leave his squad for a Premier League rival, the decision seems to have been taken by those above him to allow the Czech Republic international to go to The Emirates.
The 33 year old only played 16 times for the Blues last season, despite having made over 300 appearances for Chelsea since he signed for the club from Rennes in 2004.
But Jose Mourinho brought in Thibaut Courtois last summer, and the 23 year old Belgian became Chelsea’s number one immediately upon arrival. Cech, who has 1 year left on his contract, has decided it’s time to move on whilst he’s still able to attract a top club, and it is felt that Arsenal would be the best move for him.
Cech has won virtually every major honour in the game with Chelsea, including four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three league cups, the Champion’s League and the Europa League.
It is believe that the fee for Cech will be in the region of £11 million, though the two clubs have yet to make an finite agreement. The stopper would become Arsenal’s first signing of the summer, which may lead to either David Ospina or Wojciech Szczesny leaving The Emirates. Arsenal alternated between the two goalkeepers last season as Wenger struggled to settle on a number one, but there’s no doubt that Cech would become his ‘keeper of choice should he made the move to North London.