Arsenal Transfer News: Petr Cech Boost, Ron Vlaar, Jackson Martinez Rumours

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has admitted moving away from London "brings difficulties," providing Arsenal with a major boost in the quest to land his signature.

Cech has been linked with the Gunners and Manchester United, reported by Darren Lewis of the Mirror. However, he has suggested staying in London could be key to avoiding the upheaval of moving his family, per Jeremy Wilson of the Telegraph:

"

I will decide based on what for me and my family was the best and it does not matter whether it is England, Germany, France and Spain.

Next week we will have a meeting with Chelsea when the situation is clearer and all the cards are on the table. If I move, it brings difficulties. I must change everything, looking for housing, a school for children and so on.

"

Stu Forster/Getty Images

Blues boss Jose Mourinho has admitted he doesn't want Cech to join a Premier League rival, reported by David Hytner of the Guardian: "For me, decision number one, Petr will stay," said Mourinho. "After that, second point, to go but not in England. The option I don’t want is for him to go to an English club."

However, as noted by Wilson, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and his board are likely to have the final decision.

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Cech would bring a wealth of experience to the Arsenal net and would finally provide Arsene Wenger with a proven, top-class stopper. The Czech Republic international has won everything worth winning at Stamford Bridge, and at 33 years old, has plenty of quality years ahead of him.

His decision to stay in London would always make Arsenal favourites to sign him over United. Cech's at a point where his next move is likely to be his last, particularly if he's not willing to continue travelling his family around just so he can play football.

Vlaar Looking to Step Up

Clive Rose/Getty Images

"Experience" may be a key word for Wenger's signings this summer, with Aston Villa centre-back Ron Vlaar also linked to Arsenal and United, reported by Jamie Anderson of the Daily Star.

The Dutchman is likely to turn down Tim Sherwood's offer of a one-year contract extension after saying: "I want to maximise my career and I think I can go a step higher," per Anderson. "I will look at it and go quietly."

Wenger added to his defensive options with the capture of Gabriel Paulista in January and isn't short on centre-backs any longer. Vlaar would have a difficult time knocking Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker and Paulista down the pecking order.

Wenger to Sell the Deadwood?

Julian Finney/Getty Images

Arsenal signings may come down to who they can sell, reported by John Cross of the Mirror. Cross suggests the departure of Lukas Podolski, Joel Campbell and Yaya Sanogo could fund a £25 million move for Porto striker Jackson Martinez.

The aforementioned report suggests the Gunners are looking to land a fee for Podolski, despite his contract running out at the end of June, per Transfermarkt.co.uk. Cross believes his £100,000-per-week wage expectations may pose a problem for many suitors.

Campbell has caught the eye of Villarreal, Real Sociedad and Benfica, according to Cross. The Costa Rican has never received ample opportunities to impress at the Emirates Stadium, despite a quality 2013-14 season on-loan at Olympiakos. Sanogo spent part of last season on loan at Crystal Palace and already faces too much competition to break into Arsenal's first team.

B/R UK's Andy Brassell recently discussed a host of signings Arsenal could make if they sell the deadwood:

Wenger should look to refresh his squad, replacing ailing quality with new and exciting talent. Arsenal have tremendous potential—highlighted by two FA Cup wins in two years—but strength-in-depth hasn't been the side's greatest asset in recent times.

Cech, Vlaar and Martinez would all provide quality, and most importantly, competition to the club's starters.