Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is resigned to losing world-class goalkeeper Petr Cech this summer and hinted that he is powerless to stop a move to Premier League rivals Arsenal from happening.
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The Czech international, who has one-year left on his deal at Stamford Bridge and is valued at £10million, dropped a huge hint [via Independent Sport] that he is willing to sign for the Gunners as he would prefer to remain in London, but Mourinho has already stated [via Guardian Sport] in the past that he was firmly against strengthening a potential rival for the title.
However, speaking at BT Sport’s home of European launch on Tuesday, the Portuguese coach admitted if Blues owner Roman Abramovich is happy to sell to the North London outfit then he will have to accept it but hinted he would be interested in a part exchange deal for Cech:
Journalist Kevin Palmer broke the news via his official Twitter account:
Mourinho asked if Cech can join Arsenal: “My answer would be no way, but if the owner has a different answer, I have to accept.” #CFC #AFC
— Kevin Palmer (@kpsundayworld) June 9, 2015
Mourinho on Cech’s future: “Every club that is interested in Petr, there are players in their squad I am interested in too” #CFC #AFC #MUFC — Kevin Palmer (@kpsundayworld) June 9, 2015
It would appear Mourinho is expecting big things from Arsenal next season as he praised long-time rival Arsene Wenger and the quality of the playing squad at the Emirates Stadium when answering a separate question.
Mourinho on Arsenal: “I believe they have a top manager, I’m not making fun here. They will be even harder to beat next season,” #CFC #AFC
— Kevin Palmer (@kpsundayworld) June 9, 2015
With Mourinho and Wenger’s relationship frosty at best, it is quite a surprise to see the Blues boss speak so positively about the Frenchman in public, given that he once labelled his rival as ‘a specialist in failure’ during the 2013-14 campaign.