Even at 33, Chelsea legend Petr Cech would get into most sides in the world. He is a very safe pair of hands and, although he’s not quite as spritely as he was in his heyday, he can count himself particularly unfortunate that his route to the Chelsea first team has been blocked by the imperious Thibaut Courtois.
Cech looks likely to leave as a consequence of a lack of first team action. But this is precisely why we don’t think that The Blues will be able to sign Asmir Begovic this summer.
Various reports today suggest that Jose Mourinho is targeting Begovic for his squad next season. The Telegraph states:
Jose Prepares bid for Asmir Begovic
But, while it’s a lovely idea, Begovic surely won’t be going to Stamford Bridge if Courtois remans at the club.
The Stoke stopper looks likely to move to an elite club over the summer to further his career. A keeper of this quality is not going to want to warm the bench at The Bridge however. He could feasibly choose between Liverpool, Manchester United or Arsenal – all three could use him in their first eleven and he would be sure of game time. He’s far better than Mignolet and Ospina. Meanwhile Manchester United look certain to lose David de Gea. Begovic would be a great replacement. But if United instead opt for Hugo Lloris then Spurs will be on the lookout for someone of the Stoke man’s quality too.
So while he would be a lovely back up for Chelsea in an ideal world, this is a non-starter as far as we are concerned.