Petr Cech, Chelsea’s long term goalkeeper completed his medical at Arsenal today, a pointer to the fact that his move to join Arsenal has reached a point of no return.

A though Arsenal on his website was silent on Cech’s medical, news reports in England today said he is on the verge of completing his protracted £11m transfer to Arsenal from Chelsea.

Petr Cech: joining Arsenal

The Guardian reported that the 33-year-old’s arrival represents something of a coup for the Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger and not only because of the goalkeeper’s experience and enduring quality. José Mourinho had been fiercely opposed to selling Cech at all, let alone to a Premier League rival.

Cech is poised to become only the sixth player to switch directly from Chelsea to Arsenal – following Bill Dickson (1953), George Graham (1966), William Gallas (2006), Lassana Diarra (2007) and Yossi Benayoun (loan, 2011). The Czech lost his starting place at Stamford Bridge last season to Thibaut Courtois and he was clear that he could not countenance another campaign as the Belgian’s understudy.

He owes his move to Arsenal to Roman Abramovich, the Chelsea owner, who has allowed him to join the club of his choosing, even a rival – a rare and special privilege. Abramovich has allowed sentiment to colour his decision. He has built a close relationship with Cech and he is respectful of the service that the player has given to Chelsea. Over 11 years at the club, Cech has won every major honour, including four league titles and the Champions League in 2012.

Cech’s arrival at Arsenal, which means that he will not have to uproot his family from London, could see David Ospina squeezed out. The Colombia international only joined Arsenal from Nice last summer for £3m. The Turkish club, Fenerbahce, are in talks over signing him.