Manchester United vs. Arsenal: Arsene Wenger Talks Petr Cech and More in Presser

Arsene Wenger refused to rule out the signing of Petr Cech this summer during Friday's pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal's trip to Manchester United on Sunday.

Per the Daily Mirror's John Cross and the Times' Gary Jacob, Wenger did not confirm or deny his interest in the goalkeeper:

Cech is regarded as one of the best 'keepers in world football, but he has lost his place this season to the outstanding Thibaut Courtois.

According to BBC Sport's Saj Chowdhury, Cech's agent Viktor Kolar recently confirmed he has been given permission to negotiate with other clubs.

He said: "Petr still has a contract that ends in a year. I can confirm, however, that we have been permitted by Chelsea to negotiate with interested parties."

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David Ospina has been an able and fairly reliable alternative to Wojciech Szczesny this season, but Cech would undoubtedly be an upgrade on either.

Arsenal are in need of some key reinforcements this summer, but they could face some stiff competition in the market from United, per the Sunday World's Kevin Palmer:

Louis van Gaal is believed to have £150 million available to him, according to Matt Lawton and Mike Keegan of the Daily Mail, though Cech would not be a likely target unless David De Gea was sold.

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Wenger also stressed the importance that Arsenal finish in the top three to avoid a Champions League play-off, per James Olley of the London Evening Standard:

The Gunners currently sit in third, but they could be leapfrogged by United if the Red Devils emerge victorious on Sunday, albeit Arsenal have a game in hand against Sunderland.

Arsenal have proven time and again they can perform marvellously when the pressure is off, but it will be fascinating to see if they can withstand it over the next three games and claim a top-three spot.

Per Arsenal's Twitter feed, Wenger is aware of the benefits a win at Old Trafford would bring.

Wenger also gave the latest injury news on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Danny Welbeck:

John Cross is not overly convinced that Welbeck won't feature against his old club.

Though Welbeck has hardly had a prolific season with just four Premier League goals for the Gunners, the 24-year-old scored for Arsenal on his return to Old Trafford in the FA Cup in March, so he could be set to have a big impact from the bench.

Arsenal will need to bounce back from their disappointing display against Swansea, and United have demonstrated in recent weeks that, despite their form in the middle of the season, they are far from the finished article. A thriller awaits on Sunday.