Gary Cahill: Arsenal Back In | Chelsea Ruled Out | Spurs Can’t Compete

Garry Cahill has commanded plenty of column inches on the transfer gossip pages in recent months. The Bolton defender looks certain to move on in January with several Premier League sides credited with interest.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are the three clubs thought to be leading the race with contrasting reports this weekend over their interest. Here’s the latest from the gossip pages on Cahill’s future:

Arsenal back in

Reports this weekend have suggested Arsenal are once again considering a move for Cahill in January. The Gunners failed to land the 26-year-old in the summer after failing to agree a fee with Bolton, and went on to sign Per Mertesacker. Arsene Wenger claimed on Friday he would not be looking to add another centre back to his ranks this winter.

However, the Frenchman is notorious for playing his cards close to his chest and if reports this weekend are to be believed, the Arsenal boss is ready to revive his interest and take advantage of Cahill’s reduced asking price (around £7m).

Chelsea ruled out

Chelsea are widely regarded as favourites to land the talented stopper as they look to replace the transfer listed Alex. However, speaking ahead of tomorrow night’s game with Man City, Andre Villas-Boas claimed that although he admires Cahill’s talents, he’s not a player the Blues are interested in:

“He’s a fantastic player because he plays for the English national team, a central defender of high qualities. He had a fantastic year last season for club and country. But he is not a player that we are considering.”

Spurs can’t compete

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has previously confirmed his interest in bringing Cahill to White Hart Lane, but The Mirror suggests that Tottenham have all but ruled themselves out of the race to sign Cahill due to their strict wage structure. Spurs will only be able to pay the defender a maximum of £75k per week, whereas rivals Chelsea could offer double that.

If you take everything at face value, with both Arsene Wenger and Andre Villas-Boas ruling themselves out of the race, Tottenham appear to be the new favourites. But i’m sure this particular transfer tale has a few more twists and turns left before its finally settled.