Petr Cech transfer has 'pushed Arsenal into the title running', says Chelsea legend Frank Lampard

The goalkeeper completed an £11m move last week

Cech has announced he has joined Arsenal (Arsenal FC)

Frank Lampard has joined the growing chorus of those who believe the signing of Petr Cech will see Arsenal challenge Chelsea for the Premier League title next season.

Arsenal signed the goalkeeper for £11m last week and it was quickly hailed as the deal of the summer - despite nearly two months of the transfer window to run.

The 33-year-old is arguably the greatest Premier League goalkeeper in history and with many years ahead of him, is a marked improvement on the Gunners' current options. John Terry said Cech would add 12-15 points a season to any side Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was against allowing the Czech to join a rival. Lampard also recognises the magnitude of the deal.

"I think Arsenal signing Petr Cech is a big deal," the former Blues midfielder told the BBC.

"I think it’s been a position that a lot of people at Arsenal, fans and friends have continuously bemoaned the fact that the keeper situation hasn’t been sorted out for quite a few years.

"So he will be huge for them, he might push Arsenal into the running. I think Arsenal weren’t a million miles away last year. Year in year out they are there or thereabouts and you have to think they will put a run together."

Frank Lampard has spent the week training

Arsenal finished third last season, 12 points behind champions Chelsea.