Blow For Man Utd As Top Target Hints He’d Prefer Arsenal Move

As the opening of the summer transfer window approaches, managers are working hard identifying targets and lining-up potential deals so we’ll bring you all the news and gossip. Today, more on the future of Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech….

Petr Cech has confirmed he’ll hold talks with Chelsea over his future next week but has dropped a huge hint that he’d be keen on joining Arsenal in order to stay in London, according to the Telegraph.

Cech’s future at Chelsea is in serious doubt after he lost his first team place to Thibaut Courtois last season and it looks like the 33-year-old will be on the move this summer as he’s already suggested he’s not prepared to spend another year as a No.2.

Understandably there is no shortage of interest being shown in the Czech international with Arsenal and Manchester United among the clubs understood to be keen on signing him this summer, while there is also believed to be plenty of interest from abroad.

Cech has now spoken out about his future and says he’ll hold talks with Chelsea next week to discuss his exit from the club, and the keeper dropped a big hint that he’d be keen to remain in London due to the ‘difficulties’ in moving his family out of the capital.

Speaking to the press ahead of the Czech Republic’s European Championship qualifier against Iceland on Friday, Cech is quoted as telling reporters:

“First I have to agree with the club what the conditions would be for leaving,”

“Next week we will have a meeting with Chelsea. At the moment it is with my agent. When it is clearer and all the cards are on the table, we will decide. I believe that for what I have done for the club and what the club has done for me, we can arrange it so we are all happy.”

“I keep all options open, regardless of the country. I will decide based on what is best for me and my family. It does not matter whether it is England, Germany, France or Spain. If I move, it brings difficulties. It must change everything, looking for housing, a school for children and so on. Therefore, the sooner I know what to do the better. I can plan everything and even rest before the new season.”

Based on these comments, you’d have to say that Arsenal are in pole position for Cech’s signature as a move to the Emirates would ensure the keeper and his family could remain in London where they are settled.

Arsene Wenger is believed to be on the look out for a new No.1 after losing faith in Wojciech Szczesny during the second half of last season and Cech would give the Gunners a safe pair of hands between the sticks – which is something they’ve lacked in recent years.

However, while a move to the Emirates may be easier for Cech and his family, that isn’t to say a possible switch to Manchester United is completely off the table. Louis van Gaal is drawing up a list of potential replacements for David De Gea and Cech is seemingly a top target for the Dutchman.

We’ll have to wait and see how talks go between Cech and Chelsea next week but the Telegraph reported recently that Roman Abramovich will give the keeper his blessing to join any club he wants as a reward for 11 years of loyal service, so it looks as though a move to Arsenal or United could be on the cards.

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Jose Mourinho has already gone on record as saying he would prefer to sell his No.2 abroad but acknowledged that the decision will be down to the owner and the board, so I personally think Cech will decide to remain in the Premier League. If Arsenal want him enough a deal should be fairly straightforward, but United will no doubt be keeping a close eye on the situation.