Thibaut Courtois has admitted that he would understand if fellow Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech decided to quit the club this summer.

Cech, 33, is heavily expected to leave Stamford Bridge after 11 years of service, having fallen behind Courtois in the pecking order last season.

Arsenal are reportedly leading the race for his signature, and the 23-year-old believes that his rival is well within his rights to leave.

"Petr is a fantastic guy and I worked really well with him," Courtois told reporters.

"When you look at Petr's quality there is no doubt that he is one of the best in the world and I think we pushed each other to a higher level.

"I think we have seen in the games for Chelsea that if I was not playing he was playing and he saved the team as well. If he stays I am happy. If he leaves I understand as well."

Cech, who has won four Premier League titles in West London, started just six league games last term.