Arsenal are emerging as favourites to sign Petr Cech, according to Chelsea’s own goalkeeping coach Christophe Lollichon.
Cech, 33, is expected to leave Stamford Bridge this summer after losing his place in the first XI to Thibaut Courtois and has been linked with a number of clubs including Arsenal, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.
Jose Mourinho is reluctant to sell Cech, who has one year left on his contract, but a move seems certain and according to Lollichon, the Czech Republic international is leaning towards a move to Emirates Stadium.
“The advantage is that Arsenal is a top club, with a philosophy that pleases him and is based in London,” he told RMC.
“People were even talking about that [a move to PSG] last year. It’s clear he would give added value. [Salvatore] Sirigu isn’t bad, but Cech is better.
“The problem is that when you have played in England, Ligue 1 seems light. He wants to stay in England, but I don’t know at which stage the discussions are at.”
When asked about a possible move to Tottenham, Lollichon replied: “I do not think they have the same ambitions as Arsenal.”
Arsenal tried to sign Cech from Sparta Prague in 2002 but were put off when he failed to obtain a work permit.
Thirteen years later, international colleague Tomas Rosicky says he has been talking to Cech about a move to North London.
“Obviously I would be lying if I didn’t tell you that I had been speaking to him because we have known each other for a very long time,” Rosicky told Sky Sports News.
“Petr wants a change of scenery, let’s say, so I don’t think he will have a lack of clubs interested in him. We will see how it ends but in this case I will not interfere at all from both sides.
“It’s his decision or Arsenal’s decision if they want to go in that way. I don’t know if Arsenal really want him or not. That’s not the right question for me but he’s a very good goalkeeper. He’s a proven goalkeeper.”