Barclays Premier League champions Chelsea have wasted no time in their attempts to replace Petr Cech and have launched a bid for Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, according to Telegraph Sport.
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The Blues are on the lookout for a replacement for Cech after his move to the Emirates Stadium was made official on Arsenal’s Twitter account on Monday afternoon.
It’s official… @PetrCech has agreed to join @Arsenal! Full story here: http://t.co/09V3x81fiQ #WelcomeCech pic.twitter.com/Ov0UmAk2U5
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) June 29, 2015
Jose Mourinho’s first-choice target to fill the void the Cech has left behind appears to be Begovic and the club have made an opening offer thought to be in the region of £6million.
The Potters have already rejected that bid and are understood to be holding out for close to their £8million valuation, however, the Blues plan to return with a second offer within the next 48 hours.
If a fee can be agreed, Begovic will have to decide if a move to Stamford Bridge would be beneficial for his career as he is likely to spend a lot of time as back-up to Blues number one Thibaut Courtois.
The 28-year-old has developed a reputation as one of the best stoppers in the country and has produced consistent performances for the Potters ever since his arrival from Portsmouth in February 2010.
Last season Begovic kept seven clean sheets in 35 league appearances as City claimed a respectable ninth placed finish.