For a while now Arsenal have lacked that top quality goalkeeper. Petr Cech's imminent arrival could signify the end of the Gunners inconsistent stint of goalkeepers, and the start of a new look defense for Arsene Wenger's side.
Arsenal's goalkeepers of late have cost their side points. Numerous errors down the years come to mind when thinking of Wojciech Szczesny and also the likes of Fabianski, Vito Mannone and Manuel Almunia. Too many times a goalkeeper has been the cause for concern at Arsenal and, despite David Ospina looking more secure than others last season, a top quality goalkeeper has been needed for a long time now.
The importance of a world class 'keeper
It was well documented towards the back end of last season that in order for Arsenal to take themselves to the next level they need a top quality goalkeeper. Those that challenged last season on most fronts, particularly Manchester City and Chelsea, often became reliant on their goalkeepers to save them points. Courtois and Joe Hart were both goalkeepers that were making top saves on a regular basis. Not to mention David de Gea too, who won matches on his own for Manchester United. Due to that it became evident that Arsenal's top priority this summer had to be the acquisition of a top goalkeeper. Although Chelsea have consistent forwards and depth in their attack, it was their goalkeeper that came to the rescue at important moments. It'll be that aspect that Arsenal will hope to achieve from signing Petr Cech.
Petr Cech's imminent arrival
Originally it didn't look as though the acquisition of a quality goalkeeper would be feasible. The possibility of Petr Cech coming to Arsenal originally looked too far fetched; such was the rivalry between the Gunners and Chelsea, and Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho, that a deal of such magnitude did not look likely. However it's looking all the more likely to happen now, with a fee rumoured to have been agreed yesterday.
For once, Arsenal will have a top quality goalkeeper of their own to help mount a challenge next season; this is something that will be aided by an ever improving defensive line. After all, Arsenal's defenders appear to have that perfect balance of experience and young promise. Petr Cech coming to Arsenal though signifies that Arsene Wenger means business in the transfer window. The past two summer windows have seen Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez join the club. Now with Petr Cech arriving, Wenger has snapped up exactly the type of player his side seemed to have been missing over the past decade.
Other priorities
It can be argued significantly that the arrival of Cech was a top priority for Arsenal this summer. As said previously, the Arsenal goalkeepers in recent years have been littered with errors. Mistakes however that may have occurred as a result of the pressure put on by a lack of cover at the back. Although that issue looks to have been addressed with the rise of Francis Coquelin, another more experienced defensive midfielder could be a priority for Arsene Wenger this summer. There's been a wealth of players mentioned in that area including the likes of Schneiderlin and Germany's Kramer and Bender.
However Coquelin's rise, providing he maintains the same form in 2015/16, means that a signing in that area isn't as much of a priority as it once was. Instead the well documented need for a top quality finisher in front of goal also remains a priority. The distinct lack of availability of players could hinder Arsenal's search though. Jackson Martinez has been linked, as well as Karim Benzema. Whether any of them materialise though remains to be seen.
An interesting summer ahead
Whatever does happen this summer for Arsenal will be very interesting. Arsene Wenger now needs to go for top quality. The Gunners have added both squad players and quality over the past two years but now it's time to go big. The arrival of Cech crosses off one main priority for Arsenal this summer but what does unravel for the Gunners in the transfer window will be very interesting indeed.