According to the Daily Mail, Jose Mourinho has stated that he would be willing to part ways with Petr Cech – if he can pick a player from the purchasing party to swap with the Czech ‘keeper.
At the launch of BT Sport as the new home of European football, Mourinho implied that owner Roman Abramovich has more control over the Czech Republican’s future than he has, saying: “I will have to accept any decision that 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.”
Upon being asked if Cech’s long-term stay at Chelsea was about to draw to a close, Mourinho said: “Perhaps, but if every club that is interested in Petr, I can find a player that I like in that team too.”
Cech is reportedly unsettled with life at Stamford Bridge after being dropped in favour of Thibaut Courtois and his preference is to stay in London, which would make an Arsenal move all the more possible.
“Next week we will have a meeting with Chelsea when the situation is clearer and all the cards are on the table,” Cech said. “If I move, it brings difficulties. I must change everything, looking for housing, a school for children and so on.”
However, it is unclear if Arsenal are willing to overcome Mourinho’s latest claim. Whether or not Wenger is actually interested in acquiring the services of Cech is another question, with the manager recently praising his two current options.
“I believe in the goalkeepers I have,” said Wenger. “I believe that Wojciech Szczesny is a very good goalkeeper and David Ospina has come in and done a fantastic job.”
Arsenal midfielder and captain of his native Czech Republic, Tomas Rosicky refused to interfere in the matter, while voicing his frustration at his lack of game time, he said “I know some things from both sides but I will not interfere. It could even turn against me.
“Both sides know what they are doing. Arsenal are a top team in the world. Players want to be transferred there, that is nothing new. It is a fantastic club.”
