Petr Cech is edging closer towards a move away from Chelsea after his agent confirmed that the goalkeeper has been in talks with Turkish club Besiktas. It has long been maintained that Arsenal or PSG may be the next destination for the Czech Republic shot stopper. However, the interest from Besiktas appears to have progressed much further than expected and a deal could be agreed. It would be beneficial for all parties since Chelsea will have no issues in selling the 32-year-old to a club in Turkey.
A move to either Arsenal or Paris St Germain may be first in the priority for Cech. While the gunners are a direct competitor in the domestic front, Chelsea have already come up against PSG twice in the last three seasons. A deal with Besiktas, though, will be suitable since the Turkish club will not be direct competitors in any competition. If Cech leaves, it would represent a hit for Chelsea in terms of selling Chelsea jerseys. His agent said:
“I have been in contact with Besiktas, we are in talks. Turkey is a choice for Cech, but we will decide when the league is over.”
Jose Mourinho has repeated numerous times that should like to keep Cech, but it is simply a wish that will not work under any circumstances. According to Sky Sports, he said recently:
“One thing is Jose Mourinho and another is Mr Abramovich (Chelsea owner) and another thing is the board because the board includes a little bit of me, a little bit of other people.
“But if it was me, if it was my decision, my decision is Petr to stay.
“After that, second point to go but not in England. The option I don’t want is for him to go to an English club.”
Both Cech and Thibaut Courtois are top goalkeepers and the sole reason for the former finding himself in this position is his age. Unlike Carlo Cudicini, who was more than happy playing second fiddle to Cech for several years before moving to Tottenham, it is tough to see Cech continuing in the same route; Cech is too good for that.
It has been rumoured that Chelsea are looking to sign John Ruddy or Robert Green as a backup for Courtois once Cech leaves. Both players are likely to cost only a couple of million, but they will provide nowhere near enough quality as Cech has done. Cech may have featured in only six league matches this season, but he has remarkably conceded only on goal during this period.
