LONDON -- Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has indicated that he would block Petr Cech's hopes of joining Arsenal if he had the decisive say on the transfer, but admitted the final decision will be made by Blues owner Roman Abramovich.
Cech has been linked with Arsenal, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, with the Czech Republic international seeking regular first-team football after losing his place to Thibaut Courtois in Mourinho's side last August.
"You have to accept any decision that the owner will have in relation to Petr, but I am different," Mourinho said at the launch of BT Sport's European football channel.
"I have the same respect for Petr that everyone at the club has, but my answer [if he can join Arsenal] would be no way. If he answer is different, then I will accept.
"My answer is not important to this question because the owner is a person with the perspective that I admire a lot. He respects people who do important things for him and since 2004 to 2014-15, he has given great service to the club, unbelievable behaviour."
Mourinho also said he may look to secure a swap deal with a Premier League rival, if Cech is to seal a move to Arsenal or Manchester United.
"For every club that is interested in Petr, I can find players in that team that I like too," he added.
Cech has confirmed that he is planning to meet with Chelsea officials as he looks to resolve his future.
Mourinho suggested Arsenal would be serious title contenders next season, and also offered rare words of praise for manager Arsene Wenger.
"I think Arsenal have a fantastic squad, probably much better than people think," Mourinho said. "Normally you say if you win a lot of titles then you have a fantastic squad, but they have a fantastic squad anyway.
"I believe, and I am not making fun here, that they have a top manager. I think they have everything. They were an opponent this season, but next season they will be even better."