New York City FC midfielder Frank Lampard believes his former Chelsea teammate Petr Cech has transformed Arsenal into genuine title challengers next season.
Cech, 33, ended his 11-year spell at Chelsea at the end of June after signing a four-year contract with Arsenal for a fee believed to be in the region of £10m.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was reluctant to lose Cech to their London rivals and Lampard shares his sentiment. While the former England international still favours Chelsea, he believes Arsenal are now capable of winning the Premier League with Cech between the sticks.
"Arsenal signing Petr Cech is a big deal," the 37-year-old told The Sun. "A lot of mates who are Arsenal fans have bemoaned their ‘keeper situation for ages.
"Cech is a world-class ‘keeper and person and can help push Arsenal into the running next season.
"Arsenal weren’t a million miles away over the last few seasons. They are always challenging before falling just short but Cech going there, as John Terry said recently, will save them points.
"Manchester City and Chelsea will be challenging for the title once again. They remain favourites, but Petr will make a difference."
Cech has arguably been one of the best goalkeepers in Europe for the last decade and, at £10m, could represent some of the shrewdest business Arsene Wenger has done.
The 33-year-old found chances in the Premier League limited last season after Mourinho opted to make Thibaut Courtois his No.1, but he could always be relied on when called in for duty. In fact, of goalkeepers to make five or more appearances in England’s top-flight last season, only David Ospina (81%) had a better save success rate than Cech (80%). Furthermore, only Joe Hart (90) has kept more clean sheets in the last six seasons than Cech (76).
For more stats on Petr Cech, click here to view his WhoScored player page
