Stoke have announced that goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has moved to reigning Premier League champions Chelsea.
The 28-year-old has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge for much of the summer after Petr Cech departed for Arsenal, with the Bosnia international now providing competition for Thibaut Courtois.
Stoke, who signed experienced goalkeeper Shay Given last week, Tweeted confirmation that Begovic had made the move on Monday afternoon.
BREAKING | Goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has today completed a move to Premier League Champions @ChelseaFC pic.twitter.com/nmJzWiyEOq
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) July 13, 2015
Everybody at Stoke City would like to thank @asmir1 for his services & wish him the best of luck in the future #SCFC pic.twitter.com/AVc5EKilLw
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) July 13, 2015
The 28-year-old established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper at the Brittania Stadium having moved from Portsmouth in 2010, winning the Stoke player of the year award in 2013.
Having been capped 41 times by Bosnia, Begovic has the experience and Premier League know-how to challenge Courtois for the goalkeeping berth in Jose Mourinho’s side.
He issued a statement via Twitter thanking everyone at Stoke for his five years with the club and is ready to challenge himself with the champions.
— Asmir Begovic (@asmir1) July 13, 2015
I am very happy to be joining @chelseafc After speaking at length to the manager, I feel like I can develop here… pic.twitter.com/RJM9rdZ8d0
— Asmir Begovic (@asmir1) July 13, 2015
….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.’
— Asmir Begovic (@asmir1) July 13, 2015
Cech left Chelsea for London rivals Arsenal, with Begovic – who the Blues confirmed will wear the number one jersey – the second big summer arrival at Stamford Bridge following the loan signing of Monaco forward Radamel Falcao.
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