Whichever way you look at, the acquisition of Petr Cech is a great statement of intent from Arsenal. The Czech Republic goalkeeper has joined the club in a deal worth about £10 million deal from Chelsea.
The arrival of the venerable Cech is the perfect start to the transfer window for the Gunners. The club is looking to get back to title-winning ways under their longest serving manager. The icing on the cake is the one up that Wenger could score over his long standing rival Jose Mourinho.
For many long years, Arsenal fans had to settle for second best in such an important position. Cech is one of the best in his position and will be a confident figure between the sticks. He has the best saves-to-shots ratio percentage in the Premier League in the last three seasons – a whopping 78%.
Cech played more than 400 games in 11 seasons at Stamford Bridge and won 13 trophies with Chelsea – including one Champions League and four Premier League titles. These numbers alone are enough to emphasize the influence Cech brings to the squad.
The arrival of Cech has already boosted the squad. Theo Walcott, Aaron Ramsey and Wojciech Szczesny were quick to express happiness to have their nemesis from Chelsea joining them. His availability for the pre-season is another master stroke from Wenger. This gives a perfect platform for him to integrate into the squad.
Wenger is known to be choosy when it is time to loosen the purse strings. But, over the last two summers the arrivals of Alexis Sanchez for £35 million and Mesut Ozil for £42 million would have changed that perception. The financial means to spend big was never a question; it is just a matter of intent.
But, supporters should be warned from being over confident of Cech’s arrival. In no certain terms, his capture alone will propel Arsenal to EPL title. Just to make matters clear, Arsenal were 12 points off the steam from winners Chelsea. There are improvements to be made at other positions in the squad.
Wenger has every reason to believe that the arrival of Cech will complete Arsenal’s jigsaw. And supporters have every reason to believe that this is the first of many activities this transfer window. As the team builds to a new dawn, this could end many seasons of hurt for the Gunners. Cech could just be the tonic that the club needs!
Sridhar