Aston Villa and Arsenal battling to sign Gary Cahill

Premier League sides Aston Villa and Arsenal are battling to sign defender Gary Cahill on a free transfer. Former Bolton Wanderers and Chelsea centre-back Cahill is available having failed to reach an agreement at Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal are looking to sign new players having struggled defensively last season, with the likes of Sead Kolasinac, Shkrodan Mustafi and Nacho Monreal all rumoured to be heading for the Emirates exit door.

Cahill would be a suitable replacement for Mustafi on a free transfer, with the German defender linked with an exit from Arsenal to Italy, where AS Roma are believed to be interested in a move.

Cahill has left Chelsea after seven years at the club and the newest incumbent into the race to sign the defender is Aston Villa, with the Villains desperate to bring their former player back to the club. 

It is understood that Cahill's former teammate at Chelsea, John Terry - who is now assistant manager at Villa - has been in contact with the defender regarding a move to Villa Park.