Having been a regular for 10 years, he found his playing time limited last season, losing his first-team spot to Thibaut Courtois and had been expected to move on this summer, with Arsenal leading the chase for a couple of months.

Very happy to announce that I have signed with @Arsenal pic.twitter.com/msvjEpyO36

— Petr Cech (@PetrCech) June 29, 2015

The Czech said: “I’m really excited about joining Arsenal Football Club and can’t wait to join up for pre-season.”

During his 11 years at Stamford Bridge, the 33-year-old Czech Republic international established himself as one of the club’s greats, claiming 13 major trophies and breaking Peter Bonetti’s long-standing clean sheets record.

While Arsenal have not disclosed the length of the contract or fee, it is understood that Cech has been signed for £10million and has penned a four-year deal.

Cech joined Chelsea from Rennes in July 2004 for £7million and went onto establish himself as one of their greatest goalkeepers of his generation.

He won four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups and played key roles in helping them go all the way in the 2011/12 Champions League as well as the Europa League the following season.

But Cech, who was twice named in the PFA team of the year during his time at Chelsea, played understudy to Courtois last season and made just 15 appearances in all competitions, prompting his move to north London.

“I have the same commitment to football, the same motivation and the same hunger for success as I had at the beginning of my career, and I love the challenges brought by the top quality players you face while playing in the Premier League,” he said.

“When Arsene Wenger spoke to me about his ambitions for this club, and how he saw me as part of this team, the decision was clear.”

Chelsea described the departing custodian as an “icon” on their official website, with Cech himself posting a lengthy letter to their supporters on his Twitter page.

“I thought this would never happen but it is time for me to say goodbye to Chelsea Football Club,” he wrote. “The club I have lived every single minute for since joining July 2004, the club in which I thought I’d hang my gloves and boots one day and finish my career. But life doesn’t always turn out the way you think it will.

“Last summer, things changed and I understood I was no longer the first choice keeper but I felt it was not the right time for me to go.

“During the season it became clear that my situation would not improve and as I know I am not at the stage of my career where I want to be on the bench, I made my decision to move on and look for new challenges.”

Cech expressed his gratitude towards Chelsea owner Abramovich for allowing him to remain in England, even though it meant selling him to a potential title rival this season.

He said: “I spoke to Mr Abramovich about me staying in the Premier League and I’d like to thank him from the bottom of my heart for his support in this matter. It means so much to me because without him Chelsea Football Club would not be where it is now.

“He deserves huge credit for what he has done for the club and for all of us.”

Cech then hailed the Blues supporters, adding: “A huge thank you to the Chelsea fans. I did everything for you and you gave me your love back. I’ll never forget it. It will stay with me forever.

“We will meet again but this time I will be in the other goal – I hope you will remember our history and understand it is time for me to begin a new adventure.”

Cech will face competition from Wojciech Szczesny and David Ospina for the number one jersey at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger revealed his delight at his latest acquisition, saying: “Petr Cech is a player that I have admired for a long time and I am very pleased that he has decided to join us.

“He has proven over many seasons that he is one of the outstanding keepers in the world and he will add great strength to our squad.”