Clubs scrambling for Petr Cech's signature as Besiktas open talks

Petr Cech
Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech is set to leave Stamford Bridge after this season

It is not witnessed often in football that a second choice keeper becomes one of the hottest properties available in the transfer window. But when the name involves that of Chelsea legend Petr Cech, there is always going to be interest from the top clubs. The latest transfer update on the Czech goalkeeper is that Turkish club Besiktas have opened talks with the 32-year-old shot stopper as his agent claims.

Prior to Besiktas, it was believed that clubs like Arsenal, Paris St. Germain, Inter Milan and AS Roma were interested to sign the keeper who has only one year remaining on his contract.

Arsenal have been linked the most with Cech lately, but with Besiktas entering the race, the Gunners may miss out on his signature.

The Turkish club’s interest has been confirmed by the keeper’s agent Viktor Kolar who was quoted by the Turkish Publication Fanatik saying, “I have been in contact with Besiktas, we are in talks.”

“Turkey is a choice for Cech, but we will decide when the league is over,” he added.

Setback for Arsenal

The news would come as a setback for Arsenal who are believed to be in the hunt for a new goalkeeper for the upcoming season. Though David Ospina has been a consistent performer for Arsenal after replacing Wojciech Szczesny, there are doubts about his credentials as a top goalkeeper.

Availability of Cech seemed to be the perfect opportunity for Arsene Wenger to pounce upon the opportunity and solve his goalkeeping issues. Since Cech is settled in London with his family, the move would have worked out well for Cech and Arsenal.

What could work in Arsenal’s favour is that Cech may be tempted to stay in London rather than uproot his family to move to Turkey. But what stands in the way is his long-standing association with Chelsea which could hinder such a move.

Meanwhile, amid all the interests, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is keen on holding onto the keeper for the final year of his contract rather than lose him to a domestic rival. Mourinho has made his views clear when he had said last week, “If it was my decision, my decision is Petr to stay.”

The future of one of the finest goalkeepers in the world will depend on Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, his family and ultimately the player himself. With Besiktas throwing in their hat, this transfer saga will play out till the end of the season.

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Edited by Staff Editor