Have Arsenal increased their chances of winning the Premier League with Petr Cech's signing?

Petr Cech’s signing could prove to be integral to Arsenal’s chances this season

Chelsea stopper Petr Cech is the first Arsenal signing of the season and no doubt would provide great solidity in front of the Arsenal goal, which has been lacking since the departure of Jens Lehmann from the club. Arsenal have not managed to field a consistent No.1 with injury concerns and the poor form of the players in the recent past.

Szczesny has had his ups and downs, and many times has managed to lose his top spot entering the middle of the season. The same happened this year too, with his spot going to Ospina.

Despite the worries of manager Jose Mourinho, Cech got the green light from Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and the club’s board to move to an English club and Arsenal moved early to sign him.

Apart from that, there came a point in the past campaign for Arsenal, where both Szczesny and Ospina were ruled out due to injury, and youngster Emiliano Martinez was called up for duty. His skills were certainly not satisfactory enough when compared to his fellow teammates, but at that point of the season Wenger was out of options.

This season, Wenger is surely looking to avoid any such risks over the course of the season.

What does it mean for Arsenal’s other goalkeeping options?

When you look at the Gunners’ previous transfers, the sound of the Cech transfer seems quite absurd. But, as absurd as it may sound, it is also that real. In recent seasons, Arsenal have lost a significant number of points due to goalkeeping errors and this time it seems Wenger has had enough and it looks like he has lost his faith in his existing custodians

With the stature that Cech brings to the Emirates, it is almost certain that he would be announced as the No.1 goalkeeper, but at 33 years old, he may not have much game to offer over the next few years. There is no certainty about the money involved in the deal, as both the clubs have opted to keep the fee undisclosed.

Although Ospina had a steady season, a signing of the magnitude of Cech definitely makes a statement. His signing means that Szczesny and Ospina would have to play second fiddle and fight for their place at the Emirates Stadium.

Ospina, especially would not want to waste a season fighting for the role of the No. 2 goalkeeper after he managed to establish his spot in the team last season. Add to that his performances at the Copa America for Colombia, where he was nothing less than outstanding.

Following the announcement of the signing of Cech, the news of Ospina trying his luck elsewhere, either on loan or permanently, in search of regular football may not be too far away.

Cech a definite upgrade for the Gunners

For Szczesny, it would be a great learning experience and he can benefit a lot in the presence of one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Szczesny has been the No.1 for the club with no better keeper in the squad and has not had the opportunity to learn from someone who has been the best for a long time. This could do wonders for his confidence.

The bid for the Chelsea stopper seems like a desperate one from the management to avoid goalkeeping errors from costing the Gunners dearly and an attempt to lead a stronger season defensively. Cech's former teammate and Chelsea captain John Terry believes that he is single-handedly capable of providing Arsenal with an additional 15 points over the course of the season.

If Cech does provide that level of performance throughout the season, he sure will be the signing of the summer. It is difficult to say, whether the north London club will be able to end their Premier League drought or go further in the Champions League with Cech, but he will surely bring a vast level of improvement and stability between the sticks that has lacked in past seasons.