Chelsea prepare move for Asmir Begovic to replace Petr Čech

Chelsea have stepped up their interest in Asmir Begović, with José Mourinho considering the Stoke City goalkeeper as replacement for Petr Čech, who is likely to make his way out of the club, according to the Daily Mirror.

Arsène Wenger is also keeping a check on the player should he fail to land Čech in the summer, alongside Manchester United, who have jotted down a list of possible replacements for David de Gea.

Mourinho is loathe to let Čech leave this summer, but a deal has reportedly been brokered between the player and owner Roman Abramovich, who is willing to let the Czech Republic international leave to a club of his choice for his years of undeterred service to the Blues.

Arsenal are favourites for Čech's signature given that the player is happily settled in the capital with his family and would prefer a move down to north London than Manchester or even out of the country.

Begović has been in brilliant form for Stoke City and is unlikely to extend his contract with the Potters which expires next season. A deal worth £10.5m is likely to land the Bosnian, but may rise should he attract a lot of interest from top clubs in the league.

Robert Green has been earmarked as a potential back-up should Chelsea fail in their bid for Begović, with the Queens Park Rangers keeper all but guaranteed to make his way out of the club.

Mourinho is blessed in the goalkeeper department with the safe hands of Thibaut Courtois, who has kept 12 clean sheets this season and has been a major reason behind their League winning form over the course of the campaign.

The Blues have already secured the title with three games remaining in the season and will be looking to end their campaign on a high against Sunderland, whom they host at the Stamford Bridge on Sunday.