Chelsea wrong to sell Petr Cech to Arsenal, claims former-coach
Former-Chelsea player and coach Ray Wilkins is surprised that the club are selling Petr Cech to Arsenal for just £10.9million.
The veteran goalkeeper is set to swap Chelsea for Arsenal after his medical takes place next week, and Wilkins is surprised to see his old club strengthen one of their main rivals.
Cech is fed up at Stamford Bridge after falling behind Thibaut Courtois in the ranks and is desperate to leave the club, but doesn’t want to relocate his family from London, meaning Arsenal were always front-runners.
A £10.9m fee has been agreed between the two clubs and Cech has also agreed personal terms with The Gunners, and Wilkins is shocked that Chelsea are allowing the deal to happen.
Wilkins Surprised
“I’m extremely surprised and I thought Chelsea might have offloaded him into Europe somewhere,” Wilkins told Sky Sports News HQ. “He’s been a fantastic servant for the club and the service he’s given the club has been unbelievable.
“I think [Cheslea have] done him a favour. Whether they’ve done themselves a favour is another question because with Petr going to Arsenal it reinforces their ability to be contenders for the Premier League title.
“I’m slightly surprised Chelsea have allowed him to go to another Premier League club.
“He’s a magnificent character – as a bloke he’s first class and we know he’s a magnificent goalkeeper. Since the unfortunate injury he got he’s maybe dropped five per cent but he’s still world class.
“He’s very calm and his concentration levels are 100 per cent. The way Arsenal play, they keep the ball for long periods but when called upon the concentration levels have to be spot on, which they are with him.
“I think Petr will give a great deal to Arsenal and it’s Chelsea’s loss. I’m pleased we’ll get to see him in the Premier League week in, week out now.”
Jose Mourinho initially wanted to sell Cech to an overseas club, but Roman Abramovich took over and said the ‘keeper can choose his future after the loyalty he showed during his stay there.
An announcement is expected next week.
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
