Arsenal are in need of defensive reinforcements in January, after a number of injuries and poor performances at the back, but which players have been linked with a winter transfer to North London?
2Gary Cahill
- Age: 33
- Position: Centre-Back
- Contract until: 2019
- Club: Chelsea
- Estimated transfer value: £9m
There have been plenty of rumours circulating that Arsenal could be interested in a move for Gary Cahill in January. Unai Emery is running low on centre-back options, what with all the injuries in the back line this season, and the English defender seems to be out of favour at Chelsea.
Maurizio Sarri has admitted he won’t stand in Cahill’s way if the defender wants to move on in January. Speaking to the media ahead of Thursday’s Europa League game against Vidi earlier this month, he explained that Cahill isn’t in his plans for the season, as the defender isn’t good enough technically.
That’s not exactly surprising to hear, as Cahill has played just 21 minutes of Premier League football this season. He’s made the Chelsea squad for just six of their 16 league matches, but he has started six of their seven Europa League and League Cup games, captaining the side on each occasion.
The question is whether Unai Emery would be any more comfortable than Sarri signing a defender who isn’t as strong technically. Undoubtedly, Arsenal could use a defender with experience who can strengthen the side without possession. If that comes at the expense of being able to play out from the back though, it may not be worth it.
Click ‘Next’ for more centre-backs linked with a January move to Arsenal