Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has hinted that he wants a player in exchange for Arsenal and Manchester United target Petr Cech, reports the Daily Mail.
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The 33-year-old looks set to leave Stamford Bridge after having played second fiddle to Thibaut Courtois throughout the last season.
This has been an unfamiliar situation for the Czech Republic international, who had been Chelsea’s first-choice keeper since joining the club over a decade ago in 2004. He only played 16 times in the last campaign, with only seven of those appearances coming the Premier League.
This has led to the goalkeeper itching for a move to somewhere where he can don the gloves every week. The Daily Telegraph has linked both the Red Devils and the Gunners to the stopper, with both sides potentially in need of a new man between the sticks.
However, should either club look to sign the veteran, they may have to send one of their players in the opposite direction, with Mourinho recently hinting [via the Daily Mail], that he may look to recruit a talent from one of his rivals.
When asked about the prospect of selling his backup keeper, the Portuguese had the following to say: “I have the same respect for Petr that everybody at the club has, but my answer would be no way.
“If the answer is different I will accept that. Perhaps. Perhaps. But if every club that is interested in Petr, I can find a player that I like in that team too!”
Arsenal have had issues with both David Ospina and Wojciech Szczesny last season, with both making mistakes at times. With manager Arsene Wenger already admitting that he wants to target the Premier League next time round according to Eurosport, a reliable goalie will surely be vital to their chances of challenging. at the top of the table.
Meanwhile, their Old Trafford rivals currently have David De Gea as their No. 1, but are in serious danger of losing him to Real Madrid according to the Independent. After relying on the 24-year-old heavily in the last campaign to make up for an error-prone back line, a top class replacement will be vital.
However, both sides may have to give up one of their players to land Cech if Mourinho has his way. Although the duo are unlikely to be happy handing over a player to a direct rival, they may think it is worth it for a player of the Czech’s quality.
Since moving to Stamford Bridge in 2004, the former Stade Rennais man has won four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, the Champions League, the Europa League and a whole host of other domestic honours.