Arsenal
have agreed a £10.9m fee for Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech according to Sky
sources.
The fee was one of the key elements outstanding as Arsenal edge closer to
finalising the transfer of the Czech Republic international.
It is understood that Cech has already agreed personal terms in principle
with Arsenal, but no final deal has been announced by either club.
If the deal goes through, as is now widely expected, Cech could be eligible
for Arsenal's first game of the season - the Community Shield on August 2
when their opponents will be Premier League champions Chelsea, where Cech
has won a string of major honours in an 11-year spell at Stamford Bridge.
The transfer will be a cash only deal, with Chelsea's request to receive a
home-grown player as part of the proposed transfer no longer being
considered.
Cech is said to be grateful to Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich for allowing
him to move to whatever club he chooses, even though that is now set to be
London and title rivals Arsenal.
The 33-year-old has one year left on his contract at Stamford Bridge but has
been searching for a new employer after spending much of last season as
second choice 'keeper behind Thibaut Courtois.
Chelsea captain John Terry said on Monday that he believes Arsenal will be
buying an extra 12-15 points a season if they complete a deal for Cech.
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