2Gary Cahill

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 20: Gary Cahill of Chelsea signs autographs prior to the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on October 20, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 20: Gary Cahill of Chelsea signs autographs prior to the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on October 20, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
  • Age: 33
  • Position: Centre-Back
  • Contract until: 2019
  • Club: Chelsea
  • Estimated transfer value: £9m

There were 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. That didn’t happen, but he’s now available for free in the summer.

Maurizio Sarri admitted he wouldn’t stand in Cahill’s way if the defender wanted to move on in January. Speaking to the media ahead of their Europa League game against Vidi , he explained that Cahill wasn’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.