Petr Cech vs. Iker Casillas: Who Would Be Best Goalkeeper Transfer for Arsenal?

When Arsenal draw up their list of transfer requirements for the summer, a goalkeeper will surely sit firmly at the top of Arsene Wenger’s wishlist.

Earlier this season, Wenger jettisoned Wojciech Szczesny in favour of Colombian David Ospina. His decision to axe the No. 1 is likely to have consequences in the summer—Szczesny has also lost his Poland place to former Gunner Lukasz Fabianski, and he may have to leave Arsenal in order to re-establish his international credentials.

If Szczesny were to leave, there’d be little point in Wenger bringing in a 'keeper inferior to Ospina. Arsenal’s recent success has been fuelled by intense competition for places, and Wenger should look to continue that between the sticks.

The name most frequently linked with the position is Petr Cech. According to Adrian Kajumba of the Mirror, Cech is edging toward an exit from Stamford Bridge, with Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal leading the chase for his signature. Encouragingly for Arsenal, Kajumba claims Cech’s preference would be to remain in London: 

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Chelsea want £10million for the Czech stopper and are set to let stalwart Cech join whoever he wants.

Cech, 32, is believed to be leaning towards a move across London to join Arsenal as he is happy playing in England and it would mean he wouldn't have to uproot his family.

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However, Cech is not the only option available to Arsenal. Spanish journalist Josep Pedrerol (h/t Will Giles in the Metro), suggests Real Madrid veteran Iker Casillas is considering leaving the La Liga giants, with north London cited as his ideal destination.

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

At this stage, Cech seems like the more sensible option. Casillas may be a World Cup winner, but he appears to be a player whose powers are on the wane. The World Cup of 2014 was a harrowing experience for Casillas. Earlier this season, he lost his place in the Spain team to David De Gea—a moment that is symptomatic of a broader downturn in his fortunes.

Cech has not enjoyed a great season either, largely playing second fiddle to Belgian Thibaut Courtois. However, not only is he a year younger than the Spaniard, but he also comes with bags of experience of English football. 

Unlike every other member of the current Arsenal squad, Cech knows what it takes to win the Premier League. That’s a massive factor. 

Scott Heppell/Associated Press

When he has been called upon, he’s shown no notable signs of deterioration. According to Squawka, five of his six Premier League performances have produced clean sheets. It’s not like he hasn’t been tested either: He’s made a remarkable seven saves per goal. By comparison, Szczesny has made just 1.4.

Despite Chelsea’s insistence that Cech may move wheresoever he pleases, it’s difficult to see them accepting Arsenal as a potential destination. Jose Mourinho is likely to try and push him in to a move abroad.

Arsenal must do all they can to tempt him to remain in England. With Cech in their ranks, the Gunners would look like a much more solid proposition and potential title contenders.

James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and is following the club from a London base throughout the 2014-15 season. Follow him on Twitter here.