Why Aston Villa must go all out to sign Gary Cahill next summer
As per reports from French outlet La Gazette des Transferts (h/t Sport Witness), EFL Championship outfit Aston Villa are plotting a summer move for Chelsea captain Gary Cahill.
The Villans have been found wanting defensively this season, following the departure of John Terry and Tommy Elphick’s loan move to Hull City. Manager Steve Bruce has been forced to use ageing defensive midfielder Mile Jedinak alongside James Chester in the heart of the defence, which has rendered them vulnerable at the back.
The manager has been actively pursuing Terry, who is without a club and is understood to be keen on a return to Villa Park (h/t Birmingham Mail). However, at the age of 37, the former Chelsea and England captain hardly represents a long-term solution for the club.
And this is where Cahill’s signing would prove to be a sensible move for the Midlands outfit. The 32-year-old former England international is in the final year of his contract and has found himself on the sidelines under new Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri. Cahill hasn’t made the matchday squad for the Blues in a single Premier League game so far. And naturally, this has led to a lot of exit rumours, with the likes of Watford also understood to be monitoring the centre-back (h/t Football London).
Having joined Chelsea in January 2012, Cahill has gone on to accumulate 282 appearances for the club, scoring 25 goals and setting up seven more. During his time with the west London outfit, the Englishman has won two Premier League titles, along with a UEFA Champions League and a UEFA Europa League triumph. In addition, he has also lifted two FA Cups and a League Cup.
The defender was part of the England national team that made it to the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. However, one the tournament wrapped up, he retired from international duty after making 61 appearances for the Three Lions.
An astute defender and a great organizer, the 32-year-old took over from Terry at Chelsea and has the ability to do the same at Villa. Since he has tasted a lot of success at the top level and has gained volumes of experience, Cahill’s addition to the ranks at Villa Park could help them a great deal.
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While it is true that he has lost a bit of pace over the past year and may not be the most comfortable playing with the ball at his feet, his general defensive nous and ability to read danger is exactly what Villa need at the moment. And given that he will be available on a free transfer ahead of the next term, making a move for him in the summer is a no-brainer for Villa.
