News sources over the last few days have revealed that Chelsea are stepping up their interest in Bolton and England defender Gary Cahill. According to Bolton manager Owen Coyle: “Regarding Gary Cahill, there has been dialogue between ourselves and Chelsea”. So now that it’s clear that the interest is genuine, it’s worth considering: would this be a good signing for Chelsea?
What with David Luiz not really being up to snuff, the cloud hanging over John Terry’s head and Alex’s transfer request, it’s fair to say that Chelsea need a centre-back. But is Gary Cahill the right man for the job?
Cahill’s Bolton contract is up in the summer, meaning he’ll be available on the cheap this January. But given the lack of quality cheap defenders on the market at the moment, you can be sure that the demand for Cahill’s signature will be very high. Chelsea are sure to face staunch competition from other clubs and that may bump up Bolton’s evaluation of Cahill significantly.
Still the lure of first-team football for a club currently enjoying Champions League football may be too much for Cahill to turn down.
My only issue with this signing is that Cahill has been a major part of an abysmal Bolton defence this season. Whilst he won plaudits for his excellent performances last season, pundits haven’t been so generous with their praise this time round.
But it would be unnecessarily cruel to lay all the blame at Cahill’s feet. Hardly anyone in this Bolton side has covered themselves in glory. Perhaps if he was playing in a better side and able to recover his confidence he’d soon find some form once more. With the greatest respect to Bolton fans, Cahill may look better surrounded by Chelsea players than he does with those he plays alongside at the moment.
But I still think any such transfer would be a risk for Chelsea. He may have Premier League experience, but there’s no guarantee he’ll be able to do the job for Chelsea. At the very best he strikes me as a very good squad player.
I only wish Chelsea had offered more opportunities to Alex, rather than slowly squeeze him out of the club. Chelsea already have a genuine defensive talent on their books, but he has handed in a transfer request. Perhaps Andre Villas-Boas should focus his efforts on making Alex feel more welcome at the club?
What’s your take? Would Cahill be a good signing for Chelsea?
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Average player. Should go Spurs
Give the lad a chance? Do AVB or Capello or Rednap know nothing about football? They all believe in his abilities.Cahill is not the finished article but with Terry at his side , he will improve. Luis is great on the ball , but defensively is very poor. 7 million pound a gamble??? I dont think so for a england international.