Arsenal have set their sights on two Premier League rivals as January transfer targets to solve their defensive injury crisis.
The Gunners have lost Rob Holding for the rest of the season to a ruptured cruciate ligament and are faced with a lack of central defensive options.
Manchester United 's Eric Bailly and Chelsea 's Gary Cahill have now emerged as targets, according to ESPN , as they look to players with Premier League experience to step right into their side.
Unai Emery's side are unbeaten in 21 games, but they are looking to strengthen in January to keep that run going and close the gap on top two Liverpool and Manchester City.
Emery is said to be a known admirer of Bailly from his time in Spain prior to a £30m move to Old Trafford in 2016.
He has recently fallen out of favour with Jose Mourinho, although it is understood the Portuguese manager would rather allow Marco Rojo to leave the club.
Cahill, meanwhile, is unwanted by new Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri and has been told he can leave on loan with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.
The 32-year-old has been heavily linked with AC Milan but could be handed a chance to stay in the Premier League as a short-term solution for the Gunners, if Chelsea are willing to let him move to a top four rival.
Buschesteruniteds
246
Bailly will be great at Arsenal koulibaily in disguise
Patrick Myanmar
122
Will be much fantastic if Arsenal get Bailly. Cahill also not bad at all. 😂
powermanl
101
There is a good defender in Bailly. Under a new manager if Mourinho left or if he got a move, we would see this more. Signing him would be a big upgrade on Mustafi. The Cahill link at his age is pointless. If they can't get Bailly then it's better off waiting until the summer
bespeak
89
Straight swap for Ozil would be an amazing deal for us - Ozil is too hit and miss, it’s about time we think of a team without him as he doesn’t consistently bring anything to us