The goalkeeper joined the Gunners for £10 million in the summer but his manager came close to keeping faith with his other options between the posts
Petr Cech has been one of Arsenal's best players this season, but Arsene Wenger has revealed signing the goalkeeper was one of his toughest decisions.
The Czech Republic international moved to the Emirates from Chelsea in a £10 million deal in the summer after Wojciech Szczesny and David Ospina failed to convince between the posts.
However, Wenger says he came close to keeping faith in the Ospina before opting to make a move for Cech.
He said: "It was a very, very difficult decision for me because I highly rate Ospina. He is a goalkeeper, who, in my opinion, is highly underrated - especially in England.
"But (signing Cech) was maybe one of the few opportunities to say, 'Okay, this is an obvious (transfer).' It was more to say, 'If I don't do this, it would be a mistake.'
"You know one thing — you need a top-class goalkeeper. I have said many times that it is an underrated position. And you need a top-class goalkeeper to do well.
"He has a calming presence, he communicates well, anticipates well, sees what is coming.
"He is a kind of coach. The best position to be a coach is the goalkeeper - because he doesn't move, and he sees everything. He is the camera behind the team."
- Goal