Petr Cech signs for Arsenal

Cech, who joined Chelsea in 2004 from French club Stade Rennais, played 16 times for Jose Mourinho's side last season.

The goalkeeper position has been an issue for Arsenal over recent years with Wojciech Szczesny and David Ospina sharing the role during the last campaign.

"Petr Cech is a player that I have admired for a long time and I am very pleased that he has decided to join us," said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

"He has proven over many seasons that he is one of the outstanding keepers in the world and he will add great strength to our squad.”

During his time at Stamford Bridge, Cech won four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, one Europa League and one Champions League.

Cech told the Arsenal website: “I’m really excited about joining Arsenal Football Club and can't wait to join up for pre-season.

“I have the same commitment to football, the same motivation and the same hunger for success as I had at the beginning of my career, and I love the challenges brought by the top quality players you face while playing in the Premier League.

"When Arsene Wenger spoke to me about his ambitions for this club, and how he saw me as part of this team, the decision was clear.”

This has the feel of a transformative acquisition in the mould of Dennis Bergkamp or Thierry Henry for Arsenal. The north London club have lacked a commanding goalkeeper ever since Jens Lehmann. Cech is a superior keeper to Lehmann and his signing could be worth, as John Terry pointed out, up to 15 points a season. Arsenal finished 12 points off champions Chelsea last season.

Jose Mourinho will have been loath at losing such a loyal servant and exceptional player to a title rival but Cech deserved to leave the club on his own terms after 11 years of consistent service.

It is not hyperbole to say that Cech has moved Arsenal from also-rans into title contenders.