Petr Cech: Arsenal close to signing Chelsea goalkeeper

Talks between the clubs are progressing towards the 33-year-old becoming Arsenal's first summer acquisition.

The Czech Republic international played 16 times for the Blues last season and has been at Stamford Bridge 11 years.

He has made more than 300 Chelsea appearances and won four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups, one Champions League and one Europa League title.

Belgium international Thibaut Courtois, 23, became Chelsea's first-choice stopper last season, leaving Cech - with one year left on his deal - to look elsewhere.

He joined the Stamford Bridge club from Rennes in 2004.

Cech's agent said last month the player had been given permission to speak to other clubs, despite manager Jose Mourinho wanting him to stay at Stamford Bridge.

FA Cup holders Arsenal have been alternating between goalkeepers Wojciech Szczesny and David Ospina.

(BBC)