Petr Cech begins Arsenal glove affair as former Chelsea No 1 arrives for first training session

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Petr Cech was signed by Arsenal for £10m from London rivals Chelsea
The 33-year-old has joined up with team-mates for first training session
Keeper could make his debut against Singapore XI on pre-season tour
Mathieu Debuchy claims Gunners can win the Premier League with Cech
Chelsea face Arsenal in the Community Shield at Wembley on August 2

Published: 07:56 EST, 10 July 2015 | Updated: 09:42 EST, 10 July 2015

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Petr Cech finally joined up with his new Arsenal team-mates as the former Chelsea goalkeeper took part in a training session at London Colney on Friday.

The 33-year-old recently completed a £10million move across the capital after being given special dispensation by Blues owner Roman Abramovich to join a rival title challenger, despite reservations from manager Jose Mourinho.

The Czech Republic international has just returned from a family holiday in Sardinia and could make his competitive debut against his former club when the rivals go head-to-head in the Community Shield at Wembley on August 2.

Peter Cech takes part in a first training session after leaving Chelsea for Arsenal

The 33-year-old returned from holiday in Sardinia to get back to business at London Colney

The Czech Republic international moved across the capital after 11 trophy-laden years at Stamford Bridge

Cech is expected to make his debut against a Singapore Select XI on the club's pre-season tour

Cech could find himself coming up against his former club when Arsenal play Chelsea in Community Shield

Cech makes a save, with team-mate Mathieu Debuchy claiming they can win the title with him in the side

PETR CECH STATS 2014/15

Total appearances 7

Cleans sheets 5

Avg goals conceded 0.29

Avg saves per game 2

Avg saves per goal 7

Avg clain success 71%

Avg punches 29%

During his time at Stamford Bridge, Cech won four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups, the Champions League and Europa League.

However, he fell behind Thibaut Courtois in Mourinho's pecking order last season and decided to move across London in search for regular football.

Cech will compete Wojciech Szczesny and Emiliano Martinez in Singapore next week after being named in Arsene Wenger’s 27-player squad for the Barclays Asia Trophy.

The FA Cup winners face a Singapore Select XI team at the National Stadium on Wednesday, while fellow Premier League sides Stoke and Everton meet each other in a second match - with the winners will facing each other in the final on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Arsenal defender Mathieu Debuchy has hailed the signing of Cech and admitted the new No1 can help the Gunners win the Premier League this season.

'Petr is a very good keeper with massive experience,' he told the Arsenal official website. 'He has a lot of quality and is a complete goalkeeper.

'I think [Arsenal can challenge for the Premier League] and I hope so too. We have all the chance to win the Premier League.'

Cech speaks with kit man Paul Akers and goalkeeping coach Gerry Peyto (right) after getting his new gear

Cech takes a breather during a sun kissed training session as he prepares for the new challenge ahead

Blues owner Roman Abramovich allowed Cech to join title rivals, despite Jose Mourinho's reservations

Emiliano Martinez (left) and Cech of Arsenal take part in a typical goalkeeping practice drill

Cech was forced to leave Stamford Bridge after becoming second choice behind Thibaut Courtoius

PETR CECH CHELSEA SILVERWARE

Premier League (4): 2004–05, 2005–06, 2009–10, 2014–15

FA Cup (4): 2006–07, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2011–12

Football League Cup (3): 2004–05, 2006–07, 2014–15

FA Community Shield (2): 2005, 2009

UEFA Champions League (1): 2011–12

UEFA Europa League (1): 2012–13

Another player who believes Cech's arrival can transform Arsenal into genuine title challengers is former Chelsea legend and the Blues' highest ever goalscorer Frank Lampard.

Speaking to the Daily Express, he said: 'Arsenal signing Petr Cech is a big deal,” said the 37-year-old midfielder. “Cech is a world-class keeper and person and can help push Arsenal into the running next season.

'Arsenal weren’t a million miles away over the last few seasons. They are always challenging before falling just short but Cech going there, as John Terry said recently, will save them points.

'Manchester City and Chelsea will be challenging for the title once again. They remain favourites but Petr will make a difference.'