Chelsea Transfer News: Petr Cech Exit Talk Rubbished by Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho has denied reports claiming Petr Cech is set to leave Chelsea in the January transfer window.

The Portuguese boss spoke forcefully during his pre-match presser ahead of Saturday's tie with West Brom, calming fears over Cech's rumoured exit. Chelsea's official Twitter account provided the rundown:

Miguel Delaney of ESPN FC also tweeted mocking quotes from Mourinho:

Cech has recently been linked with a switch to Arsenal, as reported by Bruce Archer of the Express. It was said an agreement was reached "in principle" by the Daily Star's Chisanga Malata, but Mourinho's comments indicate this isn't the case. Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco were also said to be interested in the summer, per Czech website Aktualne (h/t Simon Jones of the Daily Mail).

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Chelsea's veteran goalkeeper is yet to start a Premier League fixture this season and has fallen below Thibaut Courtois in the Stamford Bridge pecking order. Cech previously suggested he would need to "solve" this lack of playing time, per Czech Radio (h/t Sky Sports), but he later admitted he "will be staying" if the club deems his presence necessary, as reported by Simon Johnson of the London Evening Standard.

Mourinho's comments hint Cech still has a major role to play in what is shaping up to be a busy season for the west London side.

He still ranks among the world's best and is an important leader for the club. It only takes an injury or dip in form for Courtois' progress to stutter, providing Cech with an opportunity to establish himself once more.