Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has predicted that new signing Petr Cech will have a major part to play as the Gunners look to win their first Premier League title since 2004.

Cech has made the switch to North London after 11 years at Chelsea and Petit, who made 116 appearances for Arsenal between 1997 and 2000, has insisted that the Czech stopper's "professionalism" will prove to be a huge benefit to the dressing room at the Emirates Stadium.

The 44-year-old told ESPN: "Petr Cech will improve this team defensively along with his proven winning mentality.

"He has won many trophies with Chelsea and has been a great, great player for them for the past decade. His professionalism will also be helpful in the dressing room to help the young Gunners focus on the title challenge.

"I'll also put a coin on Arsenal to win the league title this year. The main reason I say this is because when you look at a team that is playing quick one-two touch passing, you can see the players are enjoying themselves on the pitch."

Arsenal begin their Premier League campaign with a home fixture against West Ham United on August 9.