Jose Mourinho has confessed that Petr Cech will be free to leave Chelsea this summer if he decides to, but that interested parties such as Arsenal and Liverpool will have to pay “huge money” for him.

The Czech Republic international was handed a rare star by the Blues boss over the weekend in the League Cup Final, and kept a clean sheet as the Premier League leaders claimed their first piece of silverware since the Special One’s return.

One of the biggest calls Mourinho has made since his Stamford Bridge comeback was the decision to make Thibaut Courtois his No. 1 stopper over the summer, and the man who impressed during a three-year loan stint at Atletico Madrid has been a success between the sticks for the London club.

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And with Cech an experienced and highly-rated goalie, the 32-year-old has been linked with moves away from Chelsea, alerting rivals such as Liverpool and Chelsea.

Speaking ahead of his side’s trip to West Ham on Wednesday night, Mourinho confirmed that he would like to keep his back-up stopper, but that if he wants to go he’ll be free to do so for a big fee:

"I don't think Petr is a guy to be persuaded. He doesn't let anyone persuade him," he’s quoted by the Daily Star.

"He will make his decision and, when he makes that decision, I think he's very mature making what he feels is the best decision for him and his future.

"I will just wait, wishing his decision is to stay. That's my desire. I would like him very, very much to stay.

"But I don't waste my time trying to persuade him because it's just his decision.

"If he tells me he wants to leave I will tell him my opinion, that he is one of the three best goalkeepers in the world, so huge money.”

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