Arsenal Transfer News: Petr Cech Warning, 6-Man Clearout Planned, Latest Rumours
England goalkeeping legend Peter Shilton has warned Arsenal supporters that new signing Petr Cech may struggle without Chelsea's formidable defence in front of him.
Speaking on talkSPORT's Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show, Shilton added a dose of realism to the giddiness of signing such a Premier League legend:
"He is not getting any younger. I have always rated him, he is a top quality good goalkeeper, but I've just thought on a few occasions that when Chelsea struggled, he struggled a bit sometimes.
He was playing behind a really good defence at Chelsea and that gives you confidence week in, week out but if he doesn’t get that cover we will see if he has that top quality and that confidence to perform.
"
However, Cech is confident he will win silverware with the Gunners, as reported by Marc Williams of the Daily Star:
"I believe I will win trophies at Arsenal. It is as simple as that. In the Arsenal squad we have World Cup winners, a guy who has won the Champions League, so many internationals with vast experience and many talented players who will want to prove a point and win the league and the Champions League.
There is a great balance between the experienced and the young so there is no reason why I wouldn't think that I am going to win trophies.
"
Cech will have plenty of time to help the north London club to success if all goes to plan, per ESPN FC:
Arsenal last won the Premier League in 2004, the year Cech arrived in England with Chelsea.
Arsene Wenger's men have captured two FA Cup trophies in the last two years, but they remain well short of winning the Champions League. Signings of Cech's calibre—experienced winners who are ready to compete with the best—could make the difference.
Offloading deadwood will also be key to Wenger's summer. As reported by the Sun (h/t Williams), Wenger will push up to six unneeded players through the Emirates Stadium exit. David Ospina, who was No. 1 before Cech arrived, is perhaps the highest-profile player alongside defensive midfielder Mathieu Flamini.
Forwards Joel Campbell, Lukas Podolski and Yaya Sanogo all worked through loan spells last season and could now depart Arsenal on a permanent basis, according to Williams.
Carl Jenkinson may re-join West Ham on loan after impressing during his temporary stay with the club last season. At this point, he can be viewed as the only player from those mentioned who may carve a way back to Wenger's first-team reckoning.
The manager can be accused of placing too much emphasis on the development of players over the years. Talents such as Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey have all taken time to hit their stride (with varying degrees of success).
Yet, last season's haul of 16 Premier League goals for debutant Alexis Sanchez—who previously established himself with Barcelona and Udinese on the continent—showed exactly what proven performers can achieve for the club. Freeing up funds is all well and good, but Wenger needs to integrate developing stars with those who can deliver in the next couple of years.
Cech falls into the latter category and is a statement signing from the boss. Shilton's doubts are fair—the stopper has proven a little slow to cover his goal in recent times—but Cech remains one of the world's best. He'll hope Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker and Arsenal's defence don't make him underline this on a weekly basis, though.
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