Arsenal are on the hunt for a defender and there is no shortage of names being linked, but what of these five who were linked with a move ahead of the January window?

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: without club
  • Club: Chelsea
  • Estimated transfer value: £0m

There were plenty of rumours circulating that Arsenal could be interested in a move for Gary Cahill in January. Unai Emery was running low on centre-back options, what with all the injuries in the back line last season, and the English defender was out of favour at Chelsea.

Maurizio Sarri admitted he wouldn’t stand in Cahill’s way if the defender wanted to move on in January but he didn’t and Arsenal didn’t move. Now he’s available for free after running down his contract with Chelsea.

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.