Chelsea Transfer News: Petr Cech Set for Roma, Latest January Rumours

Long-term Chelsea stalwart Petr Cech is reportedly set for a January move to Serie A side Roma, with the Czech international having been relegated to the bench at Stamford Bridge this season behind youngster Thibaut Courtois.

The 32-year-old Cech has been widely regarded as one of the Premier League's best keepers since he moved to the Blues in 2004, but he has started only once in the English top flight this term.

In the search for more regular first-team football, Cech is now reportedly looking to move to Roma, with Blues boss Jose Mourinho understanding of his shot-stopper's desire for more playing time, per Diario de Noticias' Goncalo Lopes:

Indeed, Sky Italy (h/t Italian football writer Tancredi Palmeri) has also suggested the switch is close, with a January sale now being tipped despite previous reports that Cech would not move on until the summer, per the Liverpool Echo's James Pearce:

Roma's current No. 1, Morgan De Sanctis, is set to turn 38 years old in March and is nearing the end of his career, thus the signing of Cech would be an excellent move for Roma given his immense quality.

However, despite it being widely reported, a move for Cech away from Chelsea in January seems unlikely considering the Blues' other backup goalkeeper, Mark Schwarzer, has just departed for Leicester City, per The Independent.

That is certainly the opinion of WhoScored's Ben McAleer, and it would be odd for Mourinho to allow Cech to leave and have nobody of great quality to deputise for Courtois:

Chelsea's 22-year-old midfielder Marco van Ginkel may be set to end his current loan spell at AC Milan as he has failed to nail down a first-team spot in Serie A, appearing only twice this season. 

David Amoyal of GianlucaDiMarzio.com reports Milan boss Pippo Inzaghi's comments on the young Dutchman's situation and suggests Van Ginkel may return to the Blues in order to manufacture another loan move elsewhere: "We have many midfielders, I've even told him that. I can't assure playing time to anyone, but we hold the player in high regard."

It is a difficult situation for Van Ginkel, who needs game time to improve on his potential, and he is even less likely to be given opportunities at Chelsea where Mourinho has a very settled and very good squad.

Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

However, Mourinho does seem to be looking to the future of his team, as Chelsea have apparently offered a contract to 16-year-old Rayan Souici, beating the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal to the Frenchman's signature.

According to France Football (h/t Rhys Turrell in the Daily Star), Chelsea are set to sign the Saint-Etienne defensive midfielder who models himself on Juventus star and compatriot Paul Pogba: "I have a model that I admire every day, it's Paul Pogba. Before my matches, I watch videos of him, he really is an exceptional player."

The Blues have been caught at the top of the Premier League table by City, having previously held an eight-point lead at the head of the division, with fatigue potentially a key factor as Mourinho continues to use the same group of players for most games.

This may lead to the Portuguese manager adding reinforcements in January or simply utilising squad players better, but he is unlikely to allow key backup players, like Cech, to depart just yet. 

Stats via WhoScored.com unless otherwise noted.