Arsenal Prepare Surprise Bid for Chelsea Keeper Petr Cech

Arsenal are reportedly preparing a surprise move for Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, according to the Express.

Earlier in the week, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho confirmed that on-loan goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will be returning to Chelsea after spending three seasons at Atletico Madrid.

The Belgian international has been outstanding for the Spanish capital club and also starred in the Champions League semi-final defeat of Chelsea last season.

Cech will be worried about his place in the team once his young apprentice arrives. The Czech Republican has served Chelsea impeccably over the last 10 years after arriving from Rennes as the Blues' most expensive goalkeeper.

The Czech has maintained his position as one of the best keepers in the Premier League during his stay. The 2013-14 season saw him keep 16 clean sheets and share the golden glove with Arsenal's Polish stopper Wojciech Szczesny.

Currently, Szczesny is the only goalkeeper in the Arsenal first team as Lukas Fabianski is set to join Swansea City once his contract expires by the end of this month.

Arsene Wenger will be looking to bring in an experienced stopper to challenge the Pole for the number one jersey rather than bring a young rookie as backup.

However, the Gunners will face stiff competition for Cech's services if he were to leave, with French giants Paris Saint Germain and AS Monaco vying for the Blues goalkeeper.

Meanwhile, Courtois is expected back at Chelsea after Belgium's World Cup campaign and expects to go straight into the team. The 22-year-old feels he deserves a place in the starting XI and does not like sitting on the bench.

"It will be after the World Cup I think, then everything will be clear," Courtois said.

"Do I want to be number one wherever I play next season? Yes, I think with my age and the performances I had I want to play. To be on the bench is not the nicest thing," he added.