Yesterday, Bolton reportedly gave Arsenal 10 days (now 9) to decide whether or not they want to sign England centre-back Gary Cahill.
With the recent departure of Gael Clichy to City, Arsenal are in need of a new world class defender. Though Cahill is not a left-back, which is now the gap that has been left by Clichy, many see Vermaelen, who has played in this role for Ajax on a number of occasions in the past, filling the hole.
Bolton have become extremely frustrated with Arsenal’s failure to match their valuation for Cahill, despite both clubs holding talks about the 25-year-old making a possible move down to north London.
As usual, the Gunners are reluctant to meet Cahill’s £17 million release clause and are confident they will sign him for £15 million.
Arsenal have offered youngsters such as Carlos Vela, Henri Lansbury and Ignasi Miquel as part of the deal, but Bolton would prefer hard cash instead.
A source close to the negotiations told Goal.com:
‘Bolton want the deal done as soon as possible so they have plenty of time to make preparations for the new season without Cahill and formulate their transfer strategy.’
‘All Bolton want is to have it all sorted out by the end of next week and if it isn’t, then they might close the door on any deal until the next window.’
‘Cahill has told friends that he wants to move to Arsenal and test himself on the European stage in the Champions League, and is now playing a waiting game while the two clubs agree a transfer.’
Tottenham have already pulled out of the race, although Bolton are hopeful that Manchester City and Chelsea won’t stop bidding with formal offers to hike up the price.
Arsenal are unlikely to want to start a bidding war with the two biggest spenders in the Premier League, who will undoubtedly be able to offer deals that are more financially attractive.
Bolton boss Owen Coyle went on record earlier this week, in a bid to flush out interest from the Premier League big guns, saying the lack of a ‘concrete bid’ was disruptive.
‘It certainly doesn’t help the kid or me as a manager.’
‘We have a top class player in our ranks. It’s frustrating for him and for everyone. I don’t want to lose him but if there was the right thing there for him, the sooner it happens the better for Gary and everyone.’
I truly hope that the Gunners do sign Cahill despite being told that they have a time limit in which to do so.
Wenger should spend some of the cash he acquired from the sale of Clichy and agree on the £17 million price tag so that we can concentrate on our other summer targets.
Like what you read? Then follow me on Twitter – http://twitter.com/Eon_93
Visit and Join our Facebook page, click HERE to do so.
Gunnersphere is currently looking for new writers to join the squad. Contact via twitter or at Gunnersphere@snack-media.com for further details.
Grade A stuff. I’m unqutesinoably in your debt.