by Lewis Ambrose

A winner as an Arsenal player and manager alike, George Graham knows a thing or two about building a team capable of competing at the top.

During his playing days at Arsenal in the 1970s Graham played in a successful team that had Arsenal legend Bob Wilson at the back.

As manager he had John Lukic and then David Seaman in goal as he led Arsenal to two league titles, the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, an FA Cup and two League Cups.

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Now the Scot, who also played for Chelsea, sounds pleased that Arsenal are set to have Blues legend Petr Čech wearing the gloves next season.

“He’s still got a few more years left in him yet,”

said Graham when talking about the Czech international on talkSPORT on Tuesday.

“Goalkeepers can last well into their 30s at the top level and he is a top level goalkeeper.”

At 33 years old Čech could have a good few years left in him. Edwin van der Sar joined Manchester United at the same age was a massive success.

“Let’s be honest, apart from the last few seasons, Arsenal have always had really good, top class, goalkeepers and that’s very important if you want to win the big trophies.”

Graham also praised Chelsea for letting Čech join a rival.

“There is a bit of loyalty at last,” he said to talkSPORT.

“Sometimes it doesn’t happen in the game but he’s been very loyal to Chelsea and he’s been outstanding for them now for more than ten years.

“Ideally [if you were Chelsea] you wouldn’t let him go but I think they’re rewarding him for his loyalty.”

It is thought that José Mourinho has tried to prevent a move but it went over his head as Čech is having his wish granted by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.

Finally a bit of class from that club.

The signing of Čech would be a huge one as Arsenal finally have a squad capable of mounting and maintaining a strong charge for major honours next season.