Juventus have reportedly contacted Chelsea to enquire the availability of Gary Cahill, as the Italian champions seek a replacement for Leonardo Bonucci.
According to a report by The Sun, Juventus have submitted an enquiry over a move to sign Gary Cahill from Chelsea with the Italian giants in need of a new centre-back after losing Leonardo Bonucci to AC Milan. The same report goes on to state that Juventus are targeting Cahill because Antonio Conte is unsure about the captain’s role.
The Blues signed Antonio Rudiger from Roma this summer, making him a readymade replacement for the Englishman should he make his way to Turin, although Conte is still keen on signing another centre-back.
Cahill was included in 2015’s PFA Team of the Year alongside John Terry. That year, Cahill enjoyed a fantastic season for the Premier League champions. Although he joined Chelsea in 2012, he has endured several ups and downs over the course of his career at the West London club.
Cahill did prove to be quite an integral part of the Chelsea defence last term, but he had a poor start to the season this time. The veteran defender started the current season on a poor note by picking up a red card – and thereby a three-match ban – against Burnley.
Now, with Rudiger in the fray, Cahill could face limited game time, should the German step up in the next two matches. The Chelsea captain is not getting any younger at 31, thus making this the ideal time for him to move to a different club, in search of better opportunities. At Juventus, he can get all that and perhaps more.
Having lost Bonucci, the Italian champions have failed to land their top targets – Jerome Boateng and Diego Godin – as replacements. Hence, the Bianconeri are now at a defensive standstill. They were touted as the club with the best defence in the 2016-17 season, and that will be tough to live up to without a quality defensive replacement.
Cahill has been a rock in Chelsea’s defence for years now, despite his inconsistencies at times, thus making him an ideal alternative. While Juve are believed to be keen on a loan deal for Cahill, they are also willing to part with around £16.5 million to land the Chelsea captain.
Meanwhile, Conte is still seeking a move for Virgil van Dijk from Southampton. The funds from Cahill’s potential sale could be utilized in procuring a move for the Dutchman, although it remains to be seen if he can prove to be the missing piece from Chelsea’s otherwise strong defence.
