Manchester United have taken a sudden lead in signing Arsenal goalkeeper target Petr Cech.

The Red Devils have the services of David De Gea and the Spain international has one year left on his contract. United star has been attracting interest from Real Madrid and Louis van Gaal has admitted defeat in keeping hold of the stopper after his side’s 1-1 draw against the Gunners.

According to The Telegraph, Chelsea keeper Cech has emerged as a target for United as a replacement for De Gea. The Czech Republican will turn 33 on Wednesday and has been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal.

However, with De Gea’s situation at United, Van Gaal wants to bring Cech in order to find a like-to-like replacement next season as they are resigned to lose the former Atletico Madrid star to the 10-times European champions.

Tottenham Hotspur and France captain Hugo Lloris was piped to replace the 24-year-old at Old Trafford. United have now been alerted about Cech’s availability and the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager wants to make a quick move in sealing a deal.

Chelsea star has spent more time on the bench this season since Thibaut Courtois returned from Atelitco last summer. He is looking for a Stamford Bridge exit and the player’s agent has admitted that Arsenal, United and PSG could all be an option for his client.

Cech’s agent Viktor Kolar also confirmed that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and not Jose Mourinho will decide the keeper’s future.

“Arsenal, United or PSG are all top clubs. And Petr would like to join one of them, definitely. Petr expects that [Chelsea owner Roman] Abramovich, not Mourinho will decide about his future, based on their mutual agreement from last year,” Kolar said.

With United taking a great lead in their pursuit of Cech, it will be a massive blow for Arsenal  as they were long been interested in signing Chelsea star. He has one year left in his contract at Stamford Bridge and the Blues will allow him to leave the club this summer, rather than letting him leave for free next summer.