Chelsea have completed the signing of Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.

Begovic, 28, joins the Blues, where he is expected to act as Thibaut Courtois's understudy following Petr Cech's move to Arsenal.

But the ex-Portsmouth goalkeeper will take Cech's old no. 1 jersey, with Courtois retaining no. 13, the Premier League champions have confirmed.

Following confirmation of the move on Twitter, Begovic wrote his own message, signalling his intent to become an important member of Jose Mourinho's first team.

"I am very happy to be joining Chelsea. After speaking at length to the manager, I feel like I can develop here and be an important part of this team. I am looking forward to meeting up with the team on Wednesday for the pre-season tour.

In a further statement released through his Twitter account, he wrote: "I would like to say thank you to everyone at Stoke City football club, the chairman and the Coates family, Mark Hughes and Tony Pulis, goalkeeping coach Andy Quy, all my teammates and especially the fans who have made me and my family so welcome. I have loved my time at Stoke, but feel I had to take this opportunity for me to continue to develop and challenge myself as a player. I am very proud of what we have achieved during my time at Stoke, and it has been a great team of players to work with. I wish you all the best for the season ahead."

Chelsea edged closer to sealing a deal for the Bosnian shot stopper on 10 July when Blues midfielder Marco van Ginkel joined Stoke City on a season-long loan deal. The Potters have also secured the services of Republic of Ireland international Shay Given to battle Jack Butland for the main goalkeeping position at the club.

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