Arsene Wenger rules out January move for Chelsea's Petr Cech - 'We have three top class goalkeepers'

 
James Benge9 January 2015

Arsene Wenger has moved to deny reports that he is considering a January move for Chelsea reserve goalkeeper Petr Cech.

Cech, whose performances since joining the club in 2004 have seen him consistently ranked among the world’s best shot-stoppers, has been overtaken by Thibaut Courtois in the pecking order, making only two Premier League appearances this season.

With many competitors in need of strengthening between the posts the Czech international has been linked with a move to the Gunners, Liverpool and Roma.

Discussing the Chelsea player Wenger said: “No, Petr Cech is at Chelsea. We have three goalkeepers who for me are top class and there is a big competition going on. I have no doubt we have the needed quality.”

Arsenal’s current number one, Wojciech Szczesny, has recently had his future at Arsenal called into question after he was fined £20,000 for smoking in the showers following an error-strewn performance in the 2-0 defeat to Southampton.

Wenger confirmed today that Szczesny had apologised for his actions though he did not say whether the Polish keeper could expect to be back in the side after missing the FA Cup victory over Hull.

However with summer signing David Ospina and 22-year-old prospect Damian Martinez having performed well when given the opportunity Wenger does not see the goalkeeping position as a priority for strengthening.

Addressing rumours of Cech’s departure Chelsea assistant manager Steve Holland, standing in for Jose Mourinho, made it clear that “nobody stays and nobody goes”.

Mark Schwarzer’s departure to Leicester City has left Chelsea with only Cech and Courtois as senior goalkeepers, making a January departure more unlikely.

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