Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Petr Cech and Edin Dzeko Rumours

Arsenal could be just days away from signing Petr Cech, while the Gunners could also be making a move for Manchester City's Edin Dzeko according to the latest rumours.

Per Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail, Arsenal are hoping to sign Cech for £11 million "by the end of next week."

The 'keeper lost his No. 1 spot to Thibaut Courtois last season, and looks sure to depart Stamford Bridge in order to play regular football.

Cech would be an excellent signing for any side. Arsenal have never adequately replaced David Seaman or Jens Lehmann, but in Cech they would possess an undoubtedly world-class stopper.

Scott Heppell/Associated Press

The Czech international has enjoyed 11 successful seasons in the Premier League, and as Opta Joe notes, the 33-year-old boasts an exceptional clean sheet record:

Despite making just seven Premier League appearances last year, Cech still managed an impressive five clean sheets.

Bleacher Report's James McNicholas explains just why Cech would make such an excellent acquisition for the Gunners:

Though David Ospina is arguably the best 'keeper Arsenal have had since Lehmann departed the club in 2008, the opportunity to sign the Chelsea man should be grabbed with both hands.

The ever-reliable Cech will have a strong and calming influence on Arsenal's back four. If they can sign him, and it seems likely they will, they will have taken a huge step toward making a genuine title challenge next season.

At the other end of the pitch, the Gunners are also in need of another striker to add depth to their forward line.

According to the Sun, via George Bellshaw for Metro, a £15 million bid for City striker Dzeko could be on the cards.

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

Thanks to the signing of Wilfried Bony, Dzeko is seen as surplus to requirements at the Etihad.

The 29-year-old made just 18 starts in all competitions last season, scoring six goals and assisting three. In total, the striker has netted 71 times in 165 appearances for City.

Per Jamie Anderson of the Daily Star, Dzeko's agent Irfan Radzipegic spoke of the Bosnian's future following Bony's signing: "Dzeko is 28 years old and wants to play for the most prestigious teams in Europe. If he were to leave Manchester City he’d prefer a big club like Juventus or Atletico Madrid."

While Arsenal would no doubt qualify in that regard, Dzeko would not be a good fit for Arsene Wenger's side.

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

The forward is tall and strong in the air, but Arsenal already have Olivier Giroud, so Dzeko would struggle to add another dimension to their attack.

Further, the Frenchman is also more creative than Dzeko and already adept in joining in with Arsenal's intricate build-up play, which the Bosnian would need time to adapt to. 

While Arsenal are in need of more depth up front, Dzeko is not the answer. The striker is likely to leave the Etihad this summer, but a move abroad is a far more likely proposition.

For Arsenal, a more mobile and creative forward would be a better fit, so expect to see a player in that vein arriving in north London this summer.