Arsenal have signaled their intent to challenge for the Barclays Premier League next season as reports, via Czech Republic media outlet (Radio Praha), suggest that Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech is close to a agreeing a deal to join the Gunners at the end of the season.
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Cech’s future at Stamford Bridge has been a major cause of speculation throughout the season after he lost his place in the team to Thibaut Courtois at the start of the campaign and is thought to be seeking an exit in the summer in order to play more regularly.
Chelsea’s London rivals Arsenal have been credited with a strong interest in the 32-year-old stopper but it was revealed in The Guardian last week that manager Jose Mourinho was prepared to block any deal as he doesn’t want to strengthen a side that could pose a genuine threat to the league title next year.
But reports in the Metro say that a deal is close after the player’s agent held talks with Arsenal during the week.
The Gunners’ current goalkeepers Wojciech Szczesny and David Ospina have both come in for criticism during the season, with the latter being blamed by Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville for Bafetimbi Gomis’ goal at the Emirates on Monday night.