Chelsea manager willing to do swap deal with Manchester United or Arsenal
Jose Mourinho has revealed that he would consider a swap deal for veteran goalkeeper, Petr Cech.
Cech, aged 33, is set to leave Chelsea this summer – having lost his place in the starting line-up to Thibaut Courtois, and has attracted interest from Europe’s top tier sides in recent weeks.
The West Londoners’ Premier League rivals, Arsenal and Manchester United are both keen on the services of the long-standing stopper, who has also attracted speculation from Real Madrid, AS Roma and AC Milan.
Mourinho won’t stand in Cech’s way
The Czech Republic international, who signed from French Ligue 1 side Rennes in 2004, spent a decade as the number one choice at Stamford Bridge, winning four Premier League titles, along with FA Cup, League Cup, European Cup and Europa League honors during his time in the English capital.
Although still under contract by Chelsea, he is seemingly surplus to requirements with the club, and his current manager Jose Mourinho will not stand in his way, should he decide to remain on English shores, with another rival of the Blues.
Speaking to BT Sport, the Portuguese boss stated: “Every club that is interested in Petr, I can find a player that I like in that team, too.”
“My answer is not important because the owner is the owner, he is the person with the perspective I admire a lot, respect a lot.
“He respects a lot of people who do important things for him.
“Since 2004 to 2014-15, ten years of success with the club, ten years of unbelievable behaviour. I will have to accept any decision the owner has.
“I’m different. I have the same respect for Petr that everybody at the club has, but my answer would be, no way. If the answer is different I will accept that.”
Staying local?
And Cech himself has added further to the fire after it was revealed that he does not wish be moving far from his Surrey home, as he goes in search of first-team football.
His comments in a recent interview could potentially mean that a move to London rivals Arsenal, could possibly be on the cards, with Arsene Wenger keen to add to his goalkeeping department.
The Gunners two current keepers, David Ospina and Wojciech Szczesny both face uncertain futures at the Emirates Stadium- as the Gunners’ hierarchy look elsewhere for reinforcements.
“If I move it brings difficulties, said Cech.
“We must change everything, looking for housing, a school for children and so on.”
Cech added: “I believe for what I have done for the club and what the club has done for me, we can arrange so we are all happy.
“I look at all the options, regardless of the country. I will decide based on what for me and my family is the best. It does not matter whether it is England, Germany, France or Spain.
By Ben Reardon
