Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Petr Cech and Karim Bellarabi Rumours

While Arsenal are far from renowned for splashing the cash in any given transfer window, the pressure will be on manager Arsene Wenger to invest heavily in his side over the summer.

Not because the Frenchman has a lack of class at his disposal—far from it—but because the final pieces of his puzzle are still missing.

If the Gunners really want to make a mark both domestically and in Europe next season, they need to add a few touches of class, and our two rumoured stars wouldn’t be a bad way to go about it.

Petr Cech

Scott Heppell/Associated Press

Although Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech finds himself watching Thibaut Courtois in his spot between the posts week in, week out, make no mistake that he’s still a world-class stopper with plenty to offer.

The Gunners were linked with a summer move for Cech back in January—per Matt Law of The Daily Telegraph—and with chances at Stamford Bridge still proving few and far between for the 32-year-old, a move could well be edging closer.

Scott Heppell/Associated Press

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho wouldn’t want to see such a reliable 'keeper leave his ranks, but as Cech is out of contract next summer, now could be his last chance to cash in.

That’s something Arsenal legend Ray Parlour hopes will happen too, as he told Sports Mole (via Charles Perrin of the Sunday Express) that the Czech Republic international would be a great signing for the Gunners:

"

He'd be a terrific signing and provide so much experience. He's got some stern competition at Chelsea. He's played in some big, big games and a move across London would be great. Whether Chelsea would let him go, I don't know. He's still a young goalkeeper really and has plenty of years ahead of him. Someone like Petr Cech would be a great signing for Arsenal.

"

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

While that may be true, Perrin writes that the Gunners will have to stump up a staggering £20 million to lure Cech to the Emirates Stadium, although it could prove a worthy investment.

Neither David Ospina nor Wojciech Szczesny has inspired much confidence between the posts for Arsenal so far this season, but Cech has proved his ability on countless occasions.

Squawka’s statistics back that up, as when the 32-year-old has been given a chance for Chelsea, he’s more than justified his selection:

Bleacher Report’s James McNicholas also sings Cech’s praises in the company of Ryan Bailey, saying that he’d be a great addition to this Arsenal side:

However, even if Mourinho gives Cech the green light to head to pastures new, would the goalkeeper really consider going to one of the Blues’ rivals?

He didn’t seem too keen on the idea on Twitter. When asked whether he’d move to Manchester United, he was dismissive:

Sure, that doesn’t exactly rule out a switch to north London, but it does show Cech’s loyalty and love for Chelsea.

Therefore, it will undoubtedly take something special for Wenger to get his man. But if special is needed, then special it will be.

Cech is still one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and with him between the posts, the Gunners would suddenly have the look of a solid outfit.

It may cost an arm and a leg, but Arsenal will get a great pair of hands in exchange.

Karim Bellarabi

Frank Augstein/Associated Press

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Karim Bellarabi has been a sensation for the Bundesliga outfit this season, so it’s no surprise to see his name doing the rounds in the latest transfer rumours.

Bayer currently sit third in the table, with Bellarabi’s brilliance behind their success.

According to WhoScored.com, the 24-year-old has scored 11 league goals and created two more this term, and those statistics have supposedly put him on Wenger’s radar.

Jamie Sanderson of Metro reports that the Frenchman is “desperate” to get Bellarabi in Arsenal red, with a “significant” bid planned when the summer window opens.

Kerstin Joensson/Associated Press

Many won’t know a great deal about the Leverkusen man, but it’s safe to say that it’s his versatility that will have Wenger readying the cheque book.

Able to play on the wing or just behind the strikers, Bellarabi has pace to burn, skill in abundance and a lethal finishing touch.

His style is very similar to that of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, although his final ball is just that little bit finer tuned.

Naturally, praise has been coming in thick and fast for Bellarabi this season, including from Cristian Nyari, who labelled him the third-best player in the German top flight:

Just how much this “significant” amount of money Wenger will supposedly put on the table remains to be seen, but a player of Bellarabi’s stature is unlikely to come cheap.

Arsenal aren’t short of attacking flair in their squad, though, which means regular first-team football may not be guaranteed for the German.

Plus, with the Gunners’ offensive bases covered, surely it’s time for Wenger to start concentrating on the positions that really need tweaking—defensive midfield, for example.

That said, adding a player such as Bellarabi is nothing but a good thing, and if Cech also joins forces with the Gunners, the squad will edge ever closer to perfection.