Jose Mourinho rubbishes speculation linking Petr Cech with Arsenal move

Mark Schwarzer’s departure could see Petr Cech staying at Chelsea till the summer

With reports suggesting that Arsenal are ready to step-up their pursuit for Petr Cech, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho had dealt their London rivals a tough blow. Arsene Wenger had planned a £7 million bid for Petr Cech, who lost his place to Thibaut Courtois this season. This, combined with Wojciech Szczesny’s poor form has forced Wenger to increase the intensity of his pursuit of Cech.

However, Mourinho has made it very clear that he won’t be leaving Chelsea for their London rivals. He said that with Mark Schwarzer leaving for Leicester City, there is no way Cech would be leaving the club.

Jose Mourinho said yesterday Mark Schwarzer will be leaving Chelsea to join Leicester... http://t.co/vDMxudrzvf #CFC pic.twitter.com/9Y3ZyIEMox

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 5, 2015

The Czech Republic International has made 328 appearances for the club over the course of 12 seasons. This is the first time in his Chelsea career that he has been relegated to the role of second-choice keeper.

However, Cech’s agent, Victor Kolar said, “I think Arsenal should have made an offer to him. I think Petr would be considering it.”

Mourinho has also confirmed that Jamal Blackman will be returning from loan, to become their third-choice keeper. He has made only one appearance for Middlesbrough so far during his loan spell at the Riverside club.