Arsenal have reportedly emerged as shock suitors for out-of-favour Chelsea star Gary Cahill, who is free to depart from Stamford Bridge as per Maurizio Sarri.
According to a report by Daily Mirror, Gary Cahill is the subject of interest from Arsenal, who could be in the market for a centre-back in the January transfer window. The out-of-favour Englishman has been told he can leave Chelsea, with Maurizio Sarri unwilling to add to his game time.
Gary Cahill is nearing on seven years at Chelsea, and during this time, he has been a stalwart for them. With close to 300 appearances under his belt and every single major honour won, the Englishman has contributed immensely to the Blues’ recent success.
But, the arrival of Maurizio Sarri last summer has seen his stock plunder significantly, with the player restricted to just Europa League and cup games. The fall in stature could force Cahill’s hand, with the player considering his future away from Chelsea. And, his potential availability has reportedly piqued Arsenal’s interest.
Unai Emery does seem to have a decent arsenal of centre-backs at his disposal. But, the latest situation at hand has exposed the room for another central defender, with the manager set to be left with Laurent Koscielny as the only fit player who is a natural fit at the heart of the Arsenal defence due to suspension or injury issues.
With Rob Holding set to be out for the rest of the season, and Konstantinos Mavropanos dealing with niggling injury problems, the Gunners could do with a centre-back. To that end, Cahill might be an ideal target for Arsenal, who would have a stopgap solution in the out-of-favour Chelsea star.
Arsenal have now received a major boost in pursuit of the player, who is free to leave Chelsea, as per Maurizio Sarri. The manager iterated in his press conference prior to the match against Vidi FC in UEFA Europa League that he cannot fit Cahill in his system, before leaving it upon him to take a call on his future.
“I need very technical defenders. It is up to him and the club, because he is in his last year of contract so he has to decide for a new contract here or with another club. You know for over-30s the club usually offers only one-year contracts. If he has an offer of three years [from elsewhere] he can decide on something else. It doesn’t depend on whether I am sentimental or not!”
The manager’s comments leave Cahill’s future hanging in the balance, also giving Arsenal the required impetus to push for a January move. And, with the veteran defender being in the final year of his deal at Chelsea, a transfer will not cost the North Londoners much, sufficing their budget requirements as well.
It now remains to be seen if Arsenal are able to land Cahill in the winter, or if some other club swoops him away from Chelsea instead.
