As confirmed by BBC Sport this afternoon, Chelsea have completed the signing of Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.
With just a term remaining on his Britannia stadium contract, rumours of a summer departure have circulated for some time.
The Premier League champions wasted no time in pursuing the 27 year-old, launching a £6million bid on the same afternoon Petr Cech’s long-awaited move to Arsenal became official.
There had been reports of Manchester United attempting to muscle in on the deal amid their search for a long-term replacement to PFA Player of the Year nominee David De Gea, who looks set to join Real Madrid.
But the Bosnian international’s move to Chelsea became inevitable the moment Blues youngster Marco van Ginkel officially joined Mark Hughes’ side on loan last Friday, alongside Begovic’s potential replacement Shay Given on a free transfer from Aston Villa. Stoke had previously requested £8million and a player on loan in exchange for the 6 foot 6 shot-stopper.
Although Begovic’s transfer fee remains undisclosed, it’s believed to have met Stoke’s £8million valuation.
“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,” Begovic said upon the announcement of his move.
“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,” he added.