By Sami Mokbel

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Petr Cech is the surprise name on Arsenal's six-man shortlist to replace goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny next season.

The Chelsea keeper has been watched extensively by Gunners scouts.

Cech remains Chelsea's first-choice keeper and a move across London would be one of the most unexpected transfers in recent memory but there are continued suggestions that highly rated Thibault Courtois, who is on loan at Atletico Madrid from Chelsea, could replace Cech next season.

Transfer sensation: Arsenal hope to sign Petr Cech at the end of the season

Transfer sensation: Arsenal hope to sign Petr Cech at the end of the season

The Gunners are manoeuvring themselves into a position to strike if Cech makes way for Courtois, 20.

Chelsea are convinced Courtois is Cech's long-term successor after his two successful loan spells in the Spanish capital.

Cech's deal expires in the summer of 2016 and the chances of Chelsea agreeing to sell the goalkeeper to one of their biggest rivals seem remote.

Out of favour: Wojciech Szczesny has been left out of Arsenal's line up for their last two games

Out of favour: Wojciech Szczesny has been left out of Arsenal's line up for their last two games

But the fact Arsene Wenger has his eye on such an audacious signing illustrates his intention to spend heavily this summer.

Pepe Reina, Asmir Begovic, Victor Valdes, Rene Adler and Michel Vorm also appear on the club's goalkeeping hit list.

Overrated? Stoke's Asmir Begovic

Overrated? Stoke's Asmir Begovic

Needs new challenge? Liverpool's Pepe Reina

Needs new challenge? Liverpool's Pepe Reina

Surprise target: Swansea's Michel Vorm

Surprise target: Swansea's Michel Vorm

Szczesny is facing a fight to save his Gunners career after a string of below-par displays. The Pole was dropped in favour of countryman Lukasz Fabianski for Arsenal's last two games against Bayern Munich and Swansea.

The Gunners kept two clean sheets, which is likely to result in an extended spell on the bench for Szczesny.

First choice: Lukasz Fabianski has kept two straight clean sheets for Arsenal

First choice: Lukasz Fabianski has kept two straight clean sheets for Arsenal

In an interview with Poland daily newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza ahead of Arsenal's win at the Liberty Stadium, Szczesny said: 'I am too happy [here] to go somewhere else. I believe in the philosophy of the club and that Arsenal will start to win again. I have a debt to pay here for the club. I do not want to go anywhere else. As long as they want me here, there is no "somewhere else". I have a contract until June 2015.'

The comments below have not been moderated.

Why would Cech go to arsenal? It would be a backward step, the last player to go to Arsenal from Chelsea was Gallas (to win trophies hahahahaha), now if my memory serves me right i think in the last Eight years its Chelsea 11 tropies and Arsenal 0 hahahahahaha.

"The Chelsea keeper has been watched extensively by Gunners scouts."As if someone has to scout Petr Cech.

April Fool's day is still 12 days away.

ech and Reina are both dodgy and past their best. Chelsea will be laughing if they get a few million for ech when they already have the superior Courtois to replace him.

Your comments:Everyday a new name pops up on Arsenals short (long) list, better to publish the names not on it - it might be shorter!!

The only things missing from this wonderfully written piece of journalism are: 1) the word "Exclusive"...oh & 2) a small matter of the truth. DM you've already proven beyond all doubt that your "stories" about Arsenal are fictional...Why continue? Seriously...why? As a paper you harp on about the fact that there is no need for press regulation and yet you come up with utter drivel on AFC on a daily basis.

Oh boy! No comment!

DM high again ?

Seems like someone was popping Mali and sweating while they wrote this article (whoo)

is it April 1st yet ?

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