I think we have all heard and seen the footballing reasons over the last decade as to why Petr Cech would be a fantastic signing for Arsenal, and a move for the veteran shot-stopper looks closer than ever, according to the Daily Mail.
Undoubtably, his ability would suggest he would walk into the starting XI from the offset. He is a world class keeper and likely to still be in the top five in the world currently. He would be exactly what is required behind a very stable looking back four these days, and would also offer that leadership that we have been missing since Jens Lehmann was between the sticks.
I think the signing can be great for the mind games that Mourinho has played on us for the past few seasons as well. This potentially could be a rare feather in Arsene’s hat and give him something to smile about.
Last season Fabregas joined Chelsea. He goes and wins the title and has a very good initial season playing for that horrible lot. Unsurprisingly he is booed by Arsenal fans on his return to the Emirates, but I couldn’t help thinking at the time that it would have been Jose that would have appreciated those boos more than Fabregas worried about them. He knew they were booing because they wanted him back at their club, but Chelsea wanted him more.
However, we should take comfort that Mourinho singles out Wenger a lot in terms of tactics, buying players, and mickey taking about trophies – as to me this is a clear sign that he sees Arsenal now as his biggest competition. It was the same when he was up against Fergie, and even though there was a lot more respect in that relationship, he would always do all he could to wind up situations regarding United.
Now, it is apparent that Mourinho does not want Cech to sign for a Premier League rival, and especially not Arsenal, according to the Daily Mail. He knows that we are not far away and that our failed title challenge was mainly due to our start rather than our consistency after that. This is proven by the fact we were I think 11 points behind after 8 games, and the gap was only 13 come the end of the season.
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He knows signing Cech would be a huge signal of intent from us, and it’s understandable that he wouldn’t want someone whom he has relied on many times over the past 10 years to be playing against his side and potentially taking the Premier League trophy away from them.
Cech, in his season before last had a very good year, and I feel he would have thought himself unlucky to begin a new season as the No.2 Keeper. Courtois pretty much came straight in rather than having to take that No.1 spot from him, with Cech left out in the cold somewhat.
So I wonder how that made him feel? To go from being all but guaranteed a starting spot and having always been hugely consistent, to being dropped for a 22-year-old who had previously been out on loan and required no bedding in time before he was thrust into the starting line up. I doubt it can ever go down that well with any player at any club, but I would say that he himself would be looking to prove to his old boss – with whoever he signs for – that perhaps he was too hasty and quick in his decision.
The outcome of the league and the form of Courtois to me shows Mourinho was probably right to bring him into the team, but perhaps he did it in the wrong way. Is he that much better than Cech? I would say it is very close. Would Chelsea have won the title anyhow? In my opinion yes.
Therefore, why upset such a prominent player and senior professional? To me, what he should have done was to ease Courtois in a bit slower and make him prove his place. This way he could most likely have kept both keepers happy and Cech would probably want to remain at Chelsea to have the opportunity to fight for his place – if he even indeed lost it in the first place. You would have to say that this is bad man management from Mourinho, and if we can come in and take advantage of that then happy days.
The fact that Chelsea are looking at Rob Green (via Daily Mail) who is a keeper that cannot kick a ball out of his hands in the final minute against his local rivals (Chelsea) when his team are fighting a relegation battle sums up to me what kind of pickle Cech leaving will put Chelsea in.
Gazidis, go and get him. Its more than football reasons.
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