Arsenal Plot Late Move for Chelsea Captain Gary Cahill as Injury Crisis Worsens for Unai Emery
By Tom Gott
Arsenal manager Unai Emery is reportedly plotting a move for Chelsea centre-back Gary Cahill after a defensive injury crisis that has left several first-team star on the sidelines this season.
Both Laurent Koscielny and Sokratis Papastathopoulos suffered injuries during the 3-1 defeat to Manchester United on Friday, with Koscielny potentially facing an extended stay on the treatment table with a suspected broken jaw. With both Hector Bellerin and Rob Holding also unavailable, Emery is left with few reinforcements in defence.
The link between Arsenal and Cahill comes from the Mirror, who note that Emery has been considering the Chelsea defender for several weeks.
However, given the latest injury crisis at the club, Arsenal are now prepared to act and bring Cahill to the Emirates Stadium on a short-term deal.
With a lack of transfer funds, Emery is only able to sign players on loan during the January transfer window, and officials at the club are now debating whether a loan deal for Cahill is a plausible option.
Cahill has found himself completely out of favour at Stamford Bridge this season. Under Maurizio Sarri, the 33-year-old has made just seven appearances for Chelsea in all competitions, and he has seen just 21 minutes of Premier League action this season.
He has reportedly been told that he can leave Chelsea, with Fulham and Crystal Palace also thought to be incredibly keen on securing a deal for the Chelsea captain.
Cahill boasts a stunning level of top-flight experience. Since joining from Bolton Wanderers in 2012, Cahill has made 289 appearances for Chelsea, proving to be a vital part of the side for many seasons.
During his time with the Blues, Cahill has won two Premier League titles, and has also tasted Champions League and Europa League glory in 2012 and 2013 respectively. This level of experience is thought to be incredibly appealing to Emery, and it remains to be seen whether they will be able to secure a deal for the 33-year-old before the end of the transfer window.