Various reports are suggesting Arsenal are close to signing Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech this summer, with the player’s agent even hinting that confirmation was in the offing. Cech’s representative, Viktor Kolar, was asked about his client’s impending move to the Emirates, and replied: “I can’t say too much on that.”
International teammate Tomas Rosicky, who plays for Arsenal, hinted that there had been talks between the club and player, and Chelsea have been surprisingly very quiet when talking about his future, which suggests they’re locked in negotiations. Supporters are licking their lips at the prospect of Cech joining Arsenal due to what he will bring off the pitch, not just on it.
The 33-year-old is regarded as one of the greatest ever goalkeepers to have played in the Premier League, and has kept the second-most clean sheets in the division’s history (162). At Chelsea, he won four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups, two Community Shields, one Champions League and one Europa League in his 11 years at Stamford Bridge, and such a winning influence could rub off on the players.
Having such a successful player between the sticks could really make the difference for an Arsenal side who continue to fall short in the Premier League, despite boasting talent good enough to match their opposition. Cech has won every major trophy at club level, while the current Arsenal squad have just an FA Cup to their name.
Gunners manager Arsene Wenger is desperate to have his side challenging for the title, and bringing in a player who has done it multiple times can influx the entire side with confidence and know-how. They would also have a goalkeeper who could earn them extra points in a season due to his impressive clean sheet record in the league.
Arsenal currently have two goalkeepers to choose from in Wojciech Szczesny and David Ospina, but the latter is reportedly being lined up by Turkish Super Lig side Fenerbahce this summer, which could pave the way for the Chelsea man to replace him. Cech could tighten Arsenal’s defensive record on the pitch, and he could change the losing mentality off it too next season, which is why Wenger is so keen to bring him in. Despite his advancing age, Cech has shown he has many years still ahead of him, and his club manager Jose Mourinho still regards him in the top-five goalkeepers in the world.
Could Petr Cech turn Arsenal into genuine title-challengers?
