Petr Cech to Arsenal: Latest Transfer Details, Reaction and More

Arsenal have completed a deal to sign Chelsea's Petr Cech, with the goalkeeper putting pen to paper on a long-term deal. News of the transfer was confirmed in a release from Arsenal:

"Petr Cech is a player that I have admired for a long time, and I am very pleased that he has decided to join us," manager Arsene Wenger said in the club release. "He has proven over many seasons that he is one of the outstanding keepers in the world, and he will add great strength to our squad."

When Chelsea demoted Cech to second-string 'keeper last season behind Thibaut Courtois, it became fairly obvious that the veteran star would likely seek more playing time at a different club after the campaign. 

As the 'keeper headed to north London, he issued a statement saying goodbye to the club he joined in 2004:

Cech, 33, appeared in just seven Premier League games for the Blues in 2014-15, earning a 6.89 average match rating, per WhoScored.com, in that time. For a player who started his Chelsea career in 2004 and was almost exclusively the starting 'keeper, it was surely an adjustment. 

Indeed, Cech had established himself as one of the top 'keepers in the world during his tenure with Chelsea. But manager Jose Mourinho clearly felt the younger Courtois held more potential—and indeed, Courtois was often brilliant as the starter—making Cech expendable at the club. 

Still, Mourinho made a pitch for Cech to stay after the final game of the season, per John Cross of the Daily Mirror:

"

It's not just the fans, I also want (Cech to stay). I didn't sing it, but I keep saying the same. He's a legend of this club, but he's a legend at 33. 33 for a goalkeeper is a very young legend. When Thibaut Courtois was injured, Petr made decisive saves in matches for us. I'm not sure if Petr was not here in these seven matches if we could be champions, so his contribution was decisive.

"

Paul Gilham/Getty Images

The loss for Mourinho and his Blues team is to be the gain of the Gunners. For so long, Wenger has lacked a quality and consistent performer between the sticks. With Cech, he's getting those qualities in spades as well as the winning mentality and leadership skills that made the Czech Republic international such a success at Stamford Bridge.

Alex Shaw of ESPN.com thinks this acquisition can aid the Emirates outfit in a title push in the upcoming campaign:

Unlike other positions, 'keepers generally stay effective well into their 30s, and Cech showed no signs of slowing down before the ascension of Courtois. Arsenal have landed an excellent player capable of several more seasons of top play.

Cech provides an instant upgrade between the sticks and will be motivated to prove that Mourinho picked the wrong man as his starter in the 2014-15 season.