As reported by Express, Darren Bent believes Arsenal should make a move for Gary Cahill. The former Tottenham striker believes that the England international will be able to solve the Gunners’ defensive problems. However, the North London giants could face stiff competition from Crystal Palace. But, is Cahill really a viable option for Arsenal?
Arsenal’s defensive woes
Arsenal have made considerable waves in the market with the recent signing of Nicolas Pepe. The Ivorian will surely revamp the attacking unit in the upcoming season. But, the club’s defensive problems remain, especially with both Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi tipped to leave Emirates.
Koscielny is determined to leave North London after initially refusing to train with the team. As for Mustafi, he has been linked with a move to AS Monaco. Although Unai Emery signed William Saliba earlier this summer, the Frenchman has returned to his St.Etienne on a season-long loan deal.
That leaves the Spaniard with Sokratis and Rob Holding as the only two viable central defensive options prior to the start of the new season. Even then, Holding lacks experience at the highest level of football while the likes of Calum Chambers and Konstantinos Mavrapanos are unlikely to be drafted into the starting lineup.
Cahill’s experience could be key
With the likes of Holding and Mavrapanos relatively new to senior football, Cahill’s vast experience at the highest level of football could be useful for the Arsenal camp. The ex-Chelsea defender has made almost 300 competitive appearances for the Blues. He has also featured in 349 matches in the Premier League – making him one of the most experienced English defenders at the moment.
Moreover, the 33-year-old can provide leadership qualities at the back. And that will be necessary following the expected departure of club captain Koscielny. Cahill’s ability to motivate the backline could also reinvigorate the relatively young Arsenal side that will be itching to make a mark in the Premier League in the upcoming season.
Cahill is a financially suitable target for Arsenal
What makes Cahill such an appealing target for Arsenal is the fact that he is available for free. The defender left Chelsea after seeing out his contract at Stamford Bridge at the end of last season. That means he is currently a free agent, which could only bode well for Arsenal.
The Gunners have spent a considerable amount of their transfer kitty on signing players like Dani Ceballos, Gabriel Martinelli, Saliba and Pepe. They are reportedly close on signing Kieran Tierney, which could leave them financially shorthanded. Cahill, therefore, will be a smart piece of investment for the North London giants.
