Arsenal transfer news: Club preparing to make late move to sign Chelsea outcast Gary Cahill

Arsenal are planning a late move to sign Chelsea defender Gary Cahill, according to reports.

The Gunners are severely hampered by injuries, particularly in defence, with Sokratis the latest to be sidelined for a month with an ankle injury.

Laurent Koscielny is also a doubt for Arsenal’s home fixture against Cardiff on Tuesday after sustaining a facial injury against Manchester United, while Rob Holding and Hector Bellerin are also out with long-term injuries.

Now, according to the Mirror, Unai Emery is planning a late swoop for Chelsea centre-back Gary Cahill.

Cahill, 33, has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge under Maurizio Sarri and has featured in just one league game all season.

Emery admitted Arsenal could only make loan signings earlier this month, but as Cahill is out-of-contract he could be signed for a nominal fee that fits the budget.

The manager has revealed the club are working on two possible new arrivals, though appears reluctant to make defensive reinforcements.

“We have enough players, centre-backs in the squad. Only we’re having a lot of injuries and a lot in this position,” he said.

“If we can bring another player and when all the players want to play, we can have a lot of trouble in the future.”

Cahill is keen to play more first team football being in the twilight of his career, however, one stumbling block would be whether Chelsea are part ways with their long-serving defender to a rival.

Fulham and Crystal Palace have also shown interest in the defender this month.