Cech out: Arsenal agree in principle to purchase Chelsea keeper?

Arsenal, 4/1 chances with Coral to win a major trophy this season, have reportedly agreed a deal in principle to poach long-serving stopper Petr Cech from London rivals Chelsea.

Czech Republic centurion Cech, 32, has lost his place in the Stamford Bridge XI this term to Belgium keeper Thibaut Courtois and Jose Mourinho’s men top the Premier League table.

Despite resisting a transfer deadline day exit in the summer, even though it was clear he was no longer Blues number one, tabloid reports claim Cech could be tempted away in January by the prospect of first-team football. His preference is understand to be to remain the Premier League, hence the alleged outlining of a deal to join the Gunners.

Rumour mills have linked Arsene Wenger with a number of custodians in recent months, but for now he has kept faith Poland goalie Wojciech Szczesny, with Colombia’s David Ospina in reserve.

The likes of Spain pair Iker Casillas and Victor Valdes, Mexico World Cup hero Guillermo Ochoa and Portugal number one Rui Patricio were among those mooted for moves to the Emirates. Cech has one massive advantage over these, however, as he has ten years of Premier League experience under his belt.

If he does become available for a January transfer, Arsenal will not be the only one clamouring to capture Cech, however. AC Milan are understood to be tracking him, because of injury to summer signing Diego Lopez.

Although the Rossoneri also have long-serving Christian Abbiati on their books, another senior option is needed, as the 37-year-old is nearing the end of his career. San Siro officials have identified Cech as the commanding presence needed at the back.

Mourinho must try and persuade the man he signed from Rennes in the summer of 2004 to stay at the Bridge. Chelsea need cover just in case Courtois sustains an injury with Mark Schwarzer set to retire, and odds of 10/1 say they will go through the entire Premier League season undefeated.