Arsenal missed out on signing Chelsea keeper Petr Cech in 2002

Amidst the current goalkeeper crisis Arsenal find themselves in, the last thing they needed was a reminder from one of the best, if not the best, goalkeepers in the world Petr Cech who stated that the Gunners missed out on the chance to sign him when he was just 19.

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech revealed that back in 2002 Arsenal overlooked the then 19-year-old Cech as they felt he wasn't good enough for life in the Premier League. Since then he went on to join Chelsea in 2004 and has developed into one of the finest keepers in world football.

The 28-year-old, in a report in The Sun, revealed that he was on Arsenal's radar during his time at Sparta Prague. However, failure to qualify for a work permit put them off and he ended up at French side Rennes. Cech also admitted that though the work permit was an off, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger was told that Cech was not good enough for the Premier League.

He said, Before I went to Rennes I was watched by Arsenal but when I couldn't get a work permit the situation was missed. And at the last minute I think the person who was the chief scout at Arsenal didn't think I was good enough for the English league. So in the end it didn't happen.

Cech went on to speak about Chelsea's current form, which has seen them get back into the title race, and is hopeful that they can continue the run.

We're more secure at the back and we still have the opportunity to catch Manchester United if they start dropping points. We are still dependent on all the others. But we have to win, win, win, and keep the pressure on.

What is essential for a club like Chelsea is to have the stature of a club playing in the Champions League next season. We have some big games coming up and there are teams around us who are battling for it as well.