Former Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begović. (Photo : Reuters)
Premier League champions Chelsea FC acquired Asmir Begović from fellow English club Stoke City FC for a transfer fee of £8 million. The 28-year-old goalkeeper was signed to a four-year deal and is expected to replace Petr ÄŒech's substitute goalie spot, who transferred to Arsenal FC last month.
BBC Sport indicated that Potters' manager Mark Hughes had wanted to persuade Begović to at least finish the remaining one year in his current deal, but his main goalie had already decided to move to Stamford Bridge this summer.
"I have loved my time at Stoke but feel I had to take this opportunity to continue to develop and challenge myself as a player," said Begović. "After speaking at length to the manager, I feel like I can develop here and be an important part of this team. I am looking forward to meeting up with the team on Wednesday for the pre-season tour."
While the Bosnia and Herzegovina international will also be competing for Chelsea's starting goalkeeper position with Thibaut Courtois, Blues manager José Mourinho ensured that Begović will have enough caps to showcase his skills.
Begović is also set to receive Čech's no. 1 jersey while Courtois will help him get familiar with the Pensioners' plays and system. He is reportedly expected to fully switch with the Belgian as the first-team goalie next season, according to The Guardian.
This deal was the Blues second signing of the offseason after they loaned Colombian striker Radamel Falcao from AS Monaco FC.
Meanwhile, Stoke had recently signed Ireland international Shay Given to possibly fill-up the team's goalkeeper needs.
