Chelsea must replace Arsenal-bound Petr Cech with new back-up keeper… Sportsmail looks at five potential contenders

Chelsea have agreed to sell Petr Cech to rivals Arsenal for £11million
Jose Mourinho needs to bring in a new back-up keeper to replace Cech
Sportsmail looks at five candidates that could fill the Czech’s gloves

Published:
13:31 GMT, 23 June 2015

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Updated:
13:31 GMT, 23 June 2015

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Petr Cech’s move to Arsenal will be the first of a series of high-profile goalkeeping transfers this summer.

Manchester United’s David de Gea is set to join Real Madrid, while their search for a replacement could see Hugo Lloris arrive at Old Trafford with Iker Casillas filling his gloves at White Hart Lane.

In the immediate term, though, Chelsea must now step up their efforts to bring in a new stopper to act as back-up to Thibaut Courtois.

Here, Sportsmail runs through five of the contenders…

Arsenal have completed the signing of Chelsea’s Petr Cech and here is what he could look like next season

Cech has completed his move from Chelsea to Arsenal ahead of the next Premier League campaign

Asmir Begovic

The Bosnian is the favourite to replace Cech and is certainly the most likely of the candidates to rival Courtois for the No.1 spot.

He has kept an impressive 44 clean sheets in the Premier League during five full seasons at Stoke and the 28-year-old is arguably worthy of a starting jersey at a top-six club, especially given his relatively tender years in goalkeeping terms.

But the lure of the champions and the prospect of putting pressure on a young rival looks like being enough to tempt Begovic to Stamford Bridge.

RATING: 9/10 – The best of the bunch and could even emerge as No 1.

Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic is favourite to replace Cech as Chelsea’s No 2 next season

Rob Green

Perhaps the most sensible option for Chelsea is 35-year-old Green. He was outstanding for QPR at times last season, despite their relegation, and would probably be prepared to act as understudy with the promise of cup matches.

He also qualifies as a home-grown player and is already based in London. The England international would bring an experienced and wise head into a changing-room which has just lost one such sage in Cech.

RATING: 8/10 – About as a good a back-up as you’re likely to get.

Rob Green was outstanding for QPR during parts of last season and would be a sensible option for the Blues

John Ruddy

Chelsea have already tried to sign the Norwich custodian once before but saw a £5million offer rejected in 2013.

And Ruddy has again stated his desire to remain with the newly-promoted Canaries. However, were a definite approach to materialise then his mindset could well change – especially if City accepted a bid – although Ruddy is unlikely to want to act as reserve at the age of 28.

RATING: 7/10 – More than capable but could get itchy feet very quickly.

Chelsea tried to sign John Ruddy from Norwich in 2013, but at 28 he is unlikely to be happy for a No 2 role

Marcus Bettinelli

The 22-year-old only made his Fulham debut last season but went on to enjoy an impressive breakthrough campaign as he appeared 31 times in the Championship.

The son of Fulham goalkeeping academy coach, Vic, 6ft 4ins Bettinelli has also been recognised by England at Under-21 level and is well thought of at Craven Cottage.

Chelsea have been linked with a move for him in recent months, but he could well be advised to remain at Fulham.

RATING: 6/10 – He has potential, but that is best watched at neighbours Fulham.

Marcus Bettinelli has been linked with Chelsea since making his debut for Fulham last season

Jamal Blackman

The 21-year-old is already in residence at Stamford Bridge and could yet graduate to the role of back-up stopper.

He gained a little first-team experience at Middlesbrough last season – scoring in the epic 14-13 penalty shootout defeat at Liverpool in the League Cup – and has been a regular for the club’s successful academy teams.

The former England youth star is contracted to the Blues until 2019, and another loan move remains the most likely scenario.

RATING: 5/10 – It is too soon for Blackman to be elevated on a permanent basis. Rather, he needs games in the Football League.