Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Petr Cech and Arsene Wenger's Targets

Arsenal have been handed a boost in their reported pursuit of Chelsea’s legendary goalkeeper Petr Cech, with Blues boss Jose Mourinho insisting that the 32-year-old's future deserves a "special perspective."

As noted by Jeremy Wilson of The Telegraph, the Gunners have been heavily linked with a move for the stopper, and when the Portuguese boss was asked about any of his players wanting to leave in this upcoming summer window, he outlined the Czech Republic international as a bespoke case:

"

Petr Cech is not a player, he’s an institution. It’s different – 10 years in goal, going through everything he went through, great moments and sad moments, dying on the pitch.

With institutions, you have to deal with things in a different manner. I think he won the right to be part of a discussion and a decision. He deserves a special perspective.

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According to Wilson, this could enhance Arsene Wenger’s hopes of signing Cech, with Chelsea apparently holding out for a £10 million asking price. The goalkeeper has had to be content with a place on the substitutes' bench for the majority of the season due to the magnificent rise of Belgian sensation Thibaut Courtois, and rumours have subsequently persisted about a transfer.

But despite his advancing years, Cech remains one of the finest goalkeepers around. Indeed, as we can see here courtesy of WhoScored.com, he’s a player who has been remarkably consistent down the years:

For Arsenal, Cech would be a wonderful option. He’s a reassuring figure between the sticks, and while David Ospina has flourished for the Gunners since being drafted into the team, the quality and experience boasted by the Blues star would push the Emirates outfit on towards new heights.

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It’s the kind of signing the north London club need to be making if they’re going to challenge for major honours next season. Bleacher Report’s Arsenal correspondent James McNicholas took a look at what other strides the club needs to make:

The major problem for Arsenal in this deal is whether or not Chelsea will be willing to sell to a local and positional rival. After all, the Gunners aren’t that far back on the Blues this season, and while some investment is needed to turn them into thoroughbred title challengers, the acquisition of Cech and all the qualities he’d bring would be a major void filled.

Gunners, Dybala's Agent Deny Deal Done

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Gunners boss Wenger denied rumours that a deal for Paulo Dybala had been done earlier in the week, per James Olley of the London Evening Standard:

After Palermo chairman Maurizio Zamparini told Radio Marte (h/t George Ankers of Goal.com) the Gunners had made a bid already, the player’s agent, Gustavo Mascardi, has also revealed to Gazzetta TV (h/t Greg Lea of Goal.com) there has been major interest in his client from an English side:

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There are so many good offers, the boy may have an important future.

There are few talented players like him. Abroad, there are major deals, in particular with an English club. In Italy, there are two or three interested sides.

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In the rumbustious Olivier Giroud and unrelentingly energetic Danny Welbeck, the Gunners have two fine forward options. But Dybala is a player capable of adding a spark in advanced areas of the pitch Arsenal do occasionally lack, and while he’d be something of an avaricious acquisition, if the money is there, then the Argentinian could light up the Emirates.

What is important for Arsenal is other facets of this squad are addressed prior to a splurge on a striker. As aforementioned, the goalkeeping spot in the side is in serious need of replenishment, as is the perennial hole in holding midfield.

If Wenger can add some underpinning steel to his side in those areas and land Dybala, too, the Gunners will be a major force next season.