Arsenal are on the verge of completing the £10.9million signing of Petr Cech, after which they could turn their attention to Arturo Vidal.
Arsene Wenger has identified a goalkeeper and a midfielder as his key priorities during the summer transfer window, as he looks to mount a lasting challenge for a first league title since 2004. And the first of these positions looks certain to be filled in the coming days, maybe even over the weekend, after persuading champions Chelsea to let Cech cross the capital.
The Czech Republic international is largely regarded as one of the best shot-stoppers in Europe, let alone the Premier League, but he lost his place to Thibaut Courtois last season. Although Jose Mourinho was reluctant to let the 32-year-old join a rival club, the Stamford Bridge outfit have rewarded him for his 11 years service at the club and allowed him to decide his future.
Although Paris Saint Germain offered the former Rennes star a return to France, he has decided to remain in London and sign for the Gunners instead. Cech has already agreed personal terms with the FA Cup holders, and was undergoing a medical at the club on Friday. The transfer is now expected to be completed any time now, maybe even as early as this weekend.
Wenger will then turn his attention to landing that new midfielder, although it appears as though he could miss out on his compatriot Morgan Schneiderlin, with the France international reportedly set to leave Southampton for Manchester United in a £25million deal. However, according to reports in Spain, this blow could soon vanish if they are to instead strike a deal for Vidal.
The 28-year-old, who has in the past been linked with United and Real Madrid, is regarded as one of the most influential midfielders in Italy where he has four league titles with Juventus. According to Fichajes.net, Wenger is prepared to pay £21.3milllion for the player, who is currently on international duty at the Copa America alongside Alexis Sanchez with Chile.
