Arsenal Transfer News: Petr Cech Agreement Reportedly Struck with Chelsea

Arsenal have agreed a deal "in principle" to sign Petr Cech from Chelsea, according to reports.

Those are the words of the Daily Star's Chisanga Malata, one of a number of sources suggesting that an agreement is likely to be put in place between the clubs. Anthony Chapman of the Express believes Chelsea "are open to the prospect of selling" their unneeded goalkeeper for £7 million and that David Ospina's injury makes Arsenal a top contender.

Reports come shortly after Thibaut Courtois—the man who has displaced Cech in the Blues first team—suggested that he would leave if he was placed in the Czech Republic stopper's position of receiving little game time. 

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"As a goalkeeper you want to play," he told Sky Sports. "If I was in that situation where I didn't play a lot, then I would leave too. I think Petr is still a goalkeeper with a lot of quality and one of the best there is."

In October, Cech himself stated that he would have to "solve" the problem if it continues. Earlier this month, however, he indicated that he would remain committed to Chelsea if Jose Mourinho decides he is still needed at the club, reported by Simon Johnson of the London Evening Standard:

"

As concerns my future at Chelsea, it depends entirely on the club. Everyone is asking me what if and what will be. As a player who has two years left on the contract, I cannot make choices. If the club says, ‘you are staying’ then I will be staying. That’s why I’m staying. 

"

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This team-first attitude is backed up by Mark Worrall of ESPN FC, who believes Chelsea would be wise to keep hold of Cech. "The last thing Mourinho needs in what is a pivotal season for him at Chelsea is a goalkeeping crisis," writes Worrall. "Cech may not be happy playing second fiddle to Courtois, but the orchestra is more important."

Arsenal will certainly represent an interesting proposition for the man who has racked up just 66 minutes of Premier League football this season, per WhoScored.com. Courtois has performed admirably, there's no doubt about that, but Mourinho's suggestion he would "rotate" the pair has barely come to fruition.

Cech started both Champions League ties with Maribor—perhaps the Blues' easiest group-stage matches—sandwiched around his Capital One Cup appearance against Shrewsbury. Those matches won't be enough for a man who has remained largely uncontested as Chelsea's No. 1 for the last decade.

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The Emirates represents an excellent opportunity for Cech if Arsene Wenger is in the market for a 'keeper. Wojciech Szczesny hasn't been challenged as much as he would have expected when Ospina was purchased during the summer. The Polish 'keeper has developed into a solid leader for the Gunners, but he needs competition to remain at his best.

Ospina is likely to miss at least another two months before he can even consider mounting a run into the starting line-up. Arsenal's schedule becomes hectic as December and January hit, meaning Szczesny may become overworked. Cech could offer respite without dipping in proven Premier League quality.

Arsenal are already scrapping just to get in top four this season, and they have a huge match coming up when Manchester United visit north London on Saturday. B/R UK's Sam Tighe and Ryan Bailey recently ran through how the Gunners can overcome an injury-ridden Red Devils side:

Szczesny is likely to be key to Arsenal's success—he was when the two teams met last year, pulling off a fantastic save from a Robin van Persie attempt—but a poor showing may up the need for Cech. 

Whether Mourinho would allow such a transfer remains debatable. He isn't against selling stars to rival teams—we saw that with Juan Mata's move to United in January—and could use the extra funds to target his next acquisition.

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A situation which could suit all, presuming Chelsea want to sell, is likely to appear after the new year.

Arsenal would be wise to spend well but without breaking the bank on a new stopper, while Mourinho's intelligent wrestling with UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules means he is unlikely to miss an opportunity to cash in.