Atlas Arsene Wenger will finally end his two-year wait to sign Petr Cech
when his £11million switch to Arsenal will be stamped this week.
Reading from the talk between Chelsea and the Gunners, the
north London club are now supremely confident of snaring their top transfer
target on a three-year deal, worth in the region of £100,000-per-week.
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There was no official confirmation from Arsenal, Chelsea or
Cech's representatives on Monday night, however Sportsmail understands Arsenal
- barring an astonishing collapse in the deal - will complete the formalities
of transfer before ratifying the move in the coming days.
The swoop ends Wenger's long wait to land the Czech Republic
international.
Sportsmail can reveal the Gunners first plotted an audacious
attempt to land Cech in the summer of 2013 - though they were quickly informed
the keeper wasn't for sale.
At the time, Arsenal believed Thibault Courtois was
returning to Stamford Bridge for the 2013/14 season meaning Cech may be
available.
There was further interest last summer, but again the Blues
were unwilling to sell the goalkeeper.
But with Courtois firmly established as Chelsea's first-choice
goalkeeper, Arsenal have finally secured their long-term target.
The Gunners found initial resistance to the proposed move
from Stamford Bridge boss Jose Mourinho.
The Portuguese was extremely hesitant in allowing Cech join
Arsenal, fearing the move would significantly strengthen the Gunners.
Arsenal, though, has always been Cech's first-choice option
this summer, due to the fact he didn't want to uproot his family.
And, with owner Roman Abramovich's blessing, the former
Rennes keeper will get his wish.
Chelsea initially asked Arsenal to include Alex
Oxlade-Chamberlain as part of the deal, but the proposal was instantly rejected
by Arsenal.
And, after weeks of negotiations between the two clubs, an
agreement for Cech's transfer is virtually completed.
Mourinho wanted Cech to join Paris Saint Germain, who had
also enquired about the four-time Premier League winner.
But, knowing Abramovich had given Cech the thumbs up to join
Arsenal, Mourinho eventually conceded defeat in trying to prevent the keeper
from joining the Gunners.
Ironically, Cech's debut for Arsenal could come against
Chelsea in the Community Shield at Wembley on August 2.
The clash could see Cech and Blues skipper John Terry go
head-to-head after 11 trophy-laden years together.
Chelsea goalkeeping coach Christophe Lollichon could now
follow Cech across London.
Cech and Lollichon have formed a successful bond at Stamford
Bridge, and the Gunners are keen on capitalising on that partnership next
season.
Meanwhile, David Ospina is set to leave once Cech's move is
ratified.
Arsenal would prefer to sell the Colombian rather than
Wojciech Szczesny as the Pole qualifies as a homegrown player.
Chelsea are interested in Stoke's Asmir Begovic and Queens
Park Rangers' Robert Green as replacements for Cech.
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