Arsenal, along with several other Premier League clubs, have been put on red alert that Bolton’s Gary Cahill could be theirs this winter for £15 million.
Bolton chairman Phil Gartside has revealed today that the club may be forced to sell their star assets which include defender Gary Cahill and Johan Elmander to clear a chunk of debt which has risen to an estimated £93 million. Gartside admitted that if a Champions League team do come knocking for the 24-year-old centre-back during the winter window, then the club will have no choice but to consider the offer:
‘If a Champions League team knocks on our door in January that’s the best time to sell an asset because Champions League teams will pay the money.’
It’s almost a blessing in disguise for Wenger that Cahill is on the market, especially after the Frenchman recently found out that strong centre-back Thomas Vermaelen could face a few more months on the sidelines with his tedious achilles injury. The injury to Vermaelen means that Arsenal only have 3 recognisable defenders in stock at the moment, all of which have their cons.
Wenger acquired Laurent Koscielny last summer from French side Lorient for £8.5 million, but the 25-year-old has struggled to find his feet in the Premier League so far, and looks a little clumsy at times. For many Arsenal fans Johan Djourou is not considered as a starter, but is however a good back-up option, which only leaves Sebastien Squillaci. Squillaci joined the club in August form Sevilla, and although he has been without question the most solid and consistent performer of the three, lacks a bit of pace.
Wenger is a big fan of the Bolton defender and was interested in the player’s services last season. However, the £15 million price tag placed on the Englishman’s head could scare off the cost-conscious Arsenal manager. In fairness, £15 million for Gary Cahill sounds ridiculous, but he is possibly one of the best defenders the Premier League has to offer (fans reading this may think otherwise). Fans and possibly Wenger may feel there are better options available to them.
The bottom line is the Arsenal faithful believe their side need to strengthen their back-line if they want to see their team end the 6 year trophy drought…whether Gary Cahill is solution to the defensive problems is up to Wenger to decide.
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I think he would be a good prospect, lets face it Djourou is not a first team player, Koscielny is garbage and Squillaci is good but he is 30 years old and will probably only be there for another season.
I think Cahill is better than all these players but I don’t think Wenger will spend £15 million on him, so I don’t think he’ll buy him. Wenger must spend money on a proper defender so Vermaelen can form a long term partnership with him, and the main thing is he must be good.