Chelsea Transfer News: Petr Cech Decision Made, Latest Douglas Costa Rumours

Chelsea will begrudgingly allow their legendary goalkeeper Petr Cech to leave Stamford Bridge this summer to join a Premier League rival.

According to Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph, the decision has been made by Blues owner Roman Abramovich to allow the Czech Republic star to depart in the transfer window.

The piece claims that player and club will hold talks about his future after Cech features for his national side in the upcoming round of international fixtures.

Clive Rose/Getty Images

As noted by Law, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has already claimed he’d rather not sell to a domestic rival. But this latest development will apparently trigger a tussle between Manchester United and Arsenal, who are both on the hunt for a new goalkeeper.

Bleacher Report’s Arsenal correspondent, James McNicholas, thinks that Cech should be Arsene Wenger’s primary target in the transfer window:

It’s easy to understand why so many illustrious clubs are keen on the 33-year-old. While he may have been usurped by the magnificent Thibaut Courtois this season, in the appearances he has made, Cech has shone.

It’s clear the goalkeeper still has a lot to offer at the very top level.

Clive Rose/Getty Images

As we can see here courtesy of OptaJoe, Cech has been one of the very best goalkeepers in the history of the Premier League:

Chelsea will be reluctant to let their legendary stopper go. He’s been such a massive influence at the club, is clearly a popular figure amongst the supporters and has helped steer this club to various trophies during his 11 years at Stamford Bridge.

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

While his acquisition would strengthen both United and Arsenal, there are few of a blue persuasion who would begrudge Cech the opportunity to decide his own future.

Regardless of where he ends up, you suspect the goalkeeper will receive a unanimously warm welcome from all of those associated with the London club even if he does return wearing rival colours.

Douglas Costa Hails Mourinho

Thibault Camus/Associated Press

Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Douglas Costa has made his intentions clear to leave the Ukrainian side and has hailed Mourinho as the best manager in world football.

The player is quoted on Metro.co.uk (h/t the Daily Telegraph) as saying he is bored of his current team and is keen on new challenge.

It would seem Chelsea is his preferred destination too.

“Eventually the time comes when you get tired of playing always in the same league," he said. "I'm 24 years old and it is worth trying to tell people that I want to go. We have a wonderful coach in Mircea Lucescu, but I think it's time for a change and I think Mourinho is the best in the world.”

Here’s a look at the kind of talent Costa could potentially add to this Chelsea squad:

The Blues currently have an intriguing dynamic of attacking midfield options, and at first glance, it’d be tough to see where he’d fit in. But with rumours of Juan Cuadrado making a swift switch back to Italy, per Simon Jones of MailOnline, maybe there will be a void to fill in this segment of the squad after all.

Clive Rose/Getty Images

Costa has certainly excelled as a player this season too.

Being left-sided, he would immediately give the Blues another option, while his intricacy on the ball, raw pace and relentless energy would make him a natural fit for Mourinho’s squad.

As noted by Selecao Brasileira, the 24-year-old’s brilliant season will likely see him play a crucial role for Brazil at this summer’s Copa America:

"

Brazil's probable midfield and attack for Copa América according to Globo: Douglas Costa would replace injured Oscar. pic.twitter.com/BwMNIRZYB6

— Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStats) June 2, 2015"

From the player’s perspective, while it may be an ideal time to take a big step in his career, a move to Chelsea may not be the best decision. After all, with players like Eden Hazard, Willian, Oscar and Cesc Fabregas all vying for an attacking midfield spot, first-team opportunities would be tough to come by.

However, he’s a player who seems infatuated with the prospect of playing under Mourinho at Stamford Bridge and will surely jump at the chance of doing so.

Should any move materialise, this confident young player has the talent to force his way into the Chelsea first team provided he gets the requisite opportunities.