Arsenal got themselves a new goalkeeper when they completed a deal to sign Chelsea's Petr Cech to a long-term deal Monday.

"Petr Cech is a player that I have admired for a long time, and I am very pleased that he has decided to join us," Gunners manager Arsene Wenger said in the club release. "He has proven over many seasons that he is one of the outstanding keepers around the world, and he will add great strength to our squad."

Cech was demoted to being a second-stringer last season and played in just seven Premier League games for Chelsea in 2014-2015. That move prompted word that the Czech national would lean towards moving to another club in search of more playing time.

"I thought this would never happen but it is time for me to say goodbye to Chelsea Fotball Club. The club I have lived every single minute for since joining in July 2004, the club in which I though I'd hang my gloves and boots one day and finish my career. But life doesn't always turn out the way you think it will," Cech wrote in a released statement.

"Last summer, things changed and I understood I was no longer the 1st choice keeper but I felt it was not the right time for me to go. During the season it became clear that my situation would not improve and as I know I am not at the stage of my career where I want to be on the bench, I made my decision to move on and look for new challenges."

The 33-year-old made over 400 appearances during his 11 year stay at Stamford Bridge, winning the Premier League Golden Glove Award three separate times. Cech recently completed his medical with the Gunners and will join the team in preparing for the 2015-2016 season soon.