Arsenal Transfer News: Petr Cech Wants Gunners Move, Fresh Karim Benzema Rumours

Petr Cech is ready to tell Chelsea he wants to move to Arsenal, according to Greg Stobart of Goal.com.

Stobart suggests Cech wishes to remain in London and "is keen to avoid uprooting his family, with his two children settled at school in the capital."

The 33-year-old goalkeeper played backup to Belgian starlet Thibaut Courtois throughout the 2014-15 campaign, making just six Premier League starts along Chelsea's route to the title, per WhoScored.com. Used almost exclusively as a cup 'keeper by boss Jose Mourinho, the Czech Republic international will allegedly make his intention to join Arsenal clear.

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Mourinho isn't keen on selling to an English rival, but he previously admitted the ultimate decision will be made by the board and club owner Roman Abramovich, per David Hytner of the Guardian:

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One thing is Jose Mourinho and another is Mr Abramovich, and another thing is the board, because the board is a little bit of me and a little bit of other people. If it was me, if it was my decision, the decision is Petr to stay. That’s it. It would be my decision for Petr to stay. Even against his will? Yes. ...

... The option I don’t want is for him to go to an English club. But, I repeat, I am just the manager and he means so much for this club and what he did in this club, I think he deserves everything from this club. If the club decision is different to mine I will accept it.

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The likable goalkeeper has a number of quality years left in him and could solve a goalkeeping problem for Arsene Wenger at the Emirates Stadium. Neither David Ospina nor Wojciech Szczesny inspired confidence throughout the 2014/15 campaign, which highlighted Arsenal's need for a leader to dictate between the sticks.

Cech is a fine shot-stopper and dominant from crosses, while he also has the experience of winning every worthwhile trophy at Chelsea. Arsenal need additional quality in goal, defensive midfield and up front to mount a serious title challenge.

Spanish journalist Kike Marin (h/t Jamie Sanderson of Metro) believes Wenger has "requested" the signing of Real Madrid hitman Karim Benzema. Marin was asked who the Gunners boss is looking to sign on Twitter, responding with suggestions that Benzema isn't wanted by newly installed Los Blancos manager Rafa Benitez:

Sanderson's article suggests £35.5 million would snag Benzema away from the Bernabeu, an acceptable commitment considering Mesut Ozil set Arsenal back £42.5 million and Alexis Sanchez cost around £35 million.

The aforementioned article also links Manchester United and Liverpool with Benzema. B/R UK's Jonathan Johnson recently discussed whether United could oust Arsenal to his signing:

Wenger previously confirmed he isn't willing to spend "stratospheric" amounts on new talent, as John Cross of the Mirror reported. However, Cross reports this quote in conjunction with links to players such as Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, who has the potential to cost a world-record fee of over £85 million at some point in his career.

Arsenal confirmed their second successive FA Cup victory with the recent 4-0 thrashing of Aston Villa, but having finished third in the Premier League, they need to focus on finally regaining the most sought-after domestic prize. It's been 11 years since the north London club lifted the trophy, with previous squads falling short despite a wealth of talent being involved.

Cech and Benzema would fill obvious gaps at Arsenal and, perhaps for the first time in recent memory, provide the Gunners with enough spark to genuinely compete at the top.