Arsenal’s summer business so far has been relatively subdued. The acquisition of Chelsea’s Petr Cech is so far the stand-out signing, and a player that Arsenal fans will agree is a much needed addition.

However, former England goalkeeper David James has spoken out on Arsenal’s goalkeeping buy, and believes that the north London club would’ve been better off signing Cech’s replacement at Chelsea, Asmir Begovic.

It’s a bold statement, and one that will probably merit large quantities of disagreement among fans, but does the former goalkeeper have a point?

The former Chelsea legend, who spent 10 years at Stamford Bridge, completed his £10.9 million move to the Emirates Stadium earlier last month, and has already been touted for greatness at Arsenal. The Gunners have been searching for a solid goalkeeper for years and although Cech stands at the tender age of 33, many still believe he possesses the abilities to help lead Arsenal to the title. Former team-mate John Terry admitted Cech could potentially be worth 10-15 points for his new club in the league.

David James though, believes that a deal for Begovic, who was signed by Chelsea from Stoke City to replace Cech, would’ve been a better deal.

“For sure, If I was an Arsenal fan I would have been happier to have signed Begovic – £8m for Begovic and £11m for Cech.”

“(Begovic has) longevity because of his age, and, alongside Thibaut Courtois you’ve got two of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League with 15-plus years ahead of them.”

James also claimed that Cech is past his best and suggested that it is Chelsea that have got the better end of the deal.

“Cech is a very good goalkeeper but he’s not at his best. At 33 years of age, there’s nothing to say he can’t get back to the form of Petr Cech at his best though.”

“If he does then Arsenal still have one hell of a goalkeeper but Chelsea still get £11million for a 33-year-old with one year left on his contract.”
[Via Evening Standard]