by Lewis Ambrose

Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matić has said that he is not happy that Petr Čech has moved to a rival for the Premier League title.

The Serbian midfielder had an outstanding season for Chelsea as they went on to win the Premier League, but is is not best pleased that an experienced and top quality professional has been allowed to join a team which could challenge the Blues for their crown.

“Petr is a great guy and a great keeper,” Matić told the media during Chelsea’s pre-season.

Čech won everything during his time at Chelsea, including the Champions League, and last season’s title was his fourth since moving to England. The goalkeeper is now an Arsenal player and made his first appearance for the Gunners at the weekend. An £11M move could prove to be a bargain if Arsenal truly challenge Čech’s former club this season.

“It is going to be a very important signing for them,” Matić said.

“But I am not happy because of that. We know that he is very professional. He is one of the best keepers. And I hope this season he does not perform as he did here for 10-11 years.”

“I am happy for him because he gets to stay in London, which for him and his family was very important. I wish him all the best.”

Many have said that Arsenal need a top quality goalkeeper for quite some time now, and Čech is exactly that. He will only improve the Gunners, but Matić still feels Chelsea have the edge in the Premier League.

“We are ready for everything. I think last year Man United, City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham also had good teams…very good teams. I think our team was champion and a team that are champions are ready for everything. I think we have enough,” the midfielder said.

I wouldn’t be so sure. Thus far Chelsea have only signed Asmir Begović – who will warm the bench – and Radamel Falcao – who will warm the bench – ahead of the new campaign, which starts in under three weeks. As everyone around them looks to improve this summer José Mourinho’s side are in danger of standing still.

If that happens they will be caught, and Arsenal are vying for a place at the very front of the chasing pack.