A transfer saga that has rolled on for a while now is finally looking like coming to an end. Arsenal are just one step away from finalising a deal for Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech. According to Tutto Mercato Web, the Czech will become the highest-paid keeper in the Gunners’ history. Even though this hasn’t been confirmed, he will be paid around £100,000-per-week at the Emirates.
He will also be getting a hefty severance package from Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, who will reportedly pay Cech £4 million for his 11 years at the club. The 33-year old has been at Stamford Bridge since 2004 and had been a mainstay in the first team until last year. He was one of the most instrumental players in the side for a decade, and played a big role in Chelsea’s successes. He has won 4 Premier League titles, 4 FA Cups, 3 League Cups and a Champions League with the Blues.
Last season though, he lost his place to Thibaut Courtois and was forced to spend the majority of the season on the bench. He clearly feels he has a lot more to offer at the top-level and with several parties interested, a move to a fellow top-club is almost inevitable.
Sky Sports has reported that the amount is undisclosed thus far, but it will be a cash-only deal. Chelsea were initially considering asking for a homegrown player, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain being mentioned, but now that is no longer being discussed. It is understood that Jose Mourinho still wants Cech to move to a club outside the Premier League, but Abramovich has granted permission for the move to Arsenal.
Cech’s family is settled in London and he therefore wants to stay on in the capital. He is only 8 clean sheets away from David James’ all-time Premier League record of 170, and will be keen to surpass that at the Emirates next season.
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