Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger has shed light on Petr Cech’s summer transfer across London from Chelsea to the Emirates Stadium and squashed any suspicions that there was a dispute with the Blues over the goalkeeper’s move.
Jose Mourinho admitted in September, speaking to the Express, that it was not his decision to offload the Czech Republic stopper and that he wasn’t happy about the goalkeeper’s departure.
However, Wenger has painted a picture of serenity when describing the veteran’s summer move across London, and praised the 33-year-old for his contribution to the Gunners’ start to the season—even describing his new stopper as the ‘perfect goalkeeper’.
“I met Petr and he told me he could be available for that money and I said: ‘For that money, I’ll do it, so you do the job,” Wenger told journalists, as reported by Goal. “I had no fight with Chelsea, honestly.
“He had an agreement with his chairman that he could go for a certain price anywhere. We managed to get him here and we are happy with it.
“He has given us all his experience and his leadership because he is a leader on the pitch.
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“He talks, is brilliant intellectually, he can analyse and is highly focused. He is the perfect goalkeeper.”
Arsenal meet fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby this weekend, where they will be hoping to overtake Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.
Heading into this match, both the Gunners and the Citizens have 25 points, with Manuel Pellegrini’s side just ahead on goal difference.