OPINION
If there was one area of their squad that let Aston Villa down last season, it was their leaky defence – a problem which could have ended disastrously if serious action wasn’t taken.
The introductions of loan signings Axel Tuanzebe and Tyrone Mings proved to be a masterstroke by Dean Smith, as the two Premier League defenders formed a great partnership, one which was one of the main reasons their promotion was confirmed.
Should the Villans want to improve and become a mainstay in the top-flight, their defence must be improved and with the Mirror claiming Tuanzebe will be at parent club Manchester United next season, that is one option they will have to shelve.
However, the Sun claim that Villa are being ambitious and targeting Chelsea defender Gary Cahill, who would be available on a free as his contract comes to an end at Stamford Bridge.
Now, Tuanzebe might have been good in the Championship but making the step up to the top flight is a different kettle of fish and a swoop for Cahill, who stands at a colossal 6’4″ (source: Transfermarkt) would have the Villa Park faithful forgetting all about their loan star.
The England international would be the perfect addition to this side and could be the difference between Premier League survival and relegation. The only sticking point to any deal would be the defender’s £100,000 per-week wage [source: Spotrac] which will test Villa’s need for a defender come crunch talks.
The 33-year-old recently admitted to Goal that he was already looking forward to a fresh start next season and hopefully it would be with a team in the Premier League. Dean Smith should see this a come and get me plea and should start making a move for the experienced stopper.
Cahill has endured a frustrating last season at Chelsea, only making eight appearances in total – a small 22 minutes of total Premier League action.
Despite this poor run in the side, Cahill could add much needed experience to a youthful back four and more importantly that vital Premier League knowledge and experience which can be put to great use in training and on the pitch.
Tuanzebe to Cahill – what an upgrade that could be.