Chelsea complete Begovic capture

Chelsea have filled the void left by Petr Cech’s departure to Arsenal, capturing Asmir Begovic from Stoke City for an undisclosed fee.

Begovic, 28, had been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge and has penned a four-year deal – the transfer going through on Monday after Chelsea agreed to send midfielder Marco van Ginkel on a season-long loan to Stoke on Friday.

Stoke also brought in Shay Given from Aston Villa to provide goalkeeping cover prior to Begovic’s exit being confirmed.

The Bosnia-Herzegovina goalkeeper joined Stoke from Portsmouth in January 2010 and duly ousted Thomas Sorensen to become Stoke’s regular number one.

Begovic’s form in recent seasons has prompted frequent links with bigger clubs and he will now provide competition for Thibaut Courtois at Chelsea.

He told Chelsea’s official website: “I am very happy to be joining Chelsea.

“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.”

In a separate statement posted via his official Twitter account, Begovic added: “I have loved my time at Stoke, but feel I had to take this opportunity for me to continue to develop and challenge myself as a player. 

“I am very proud of what we achieved during my time at Stoke, and it has been a great team of players to work with. 

“I wish you all the best for the season ahead.”