9 Jun 2011 08:37:00
Christopher Samba (getty Images)
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For all the latest reports and transfer rumours, visit our dedicated section here.Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is still targeting talks with Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill and Blackburn Rovers’ Christopher Samba in a bid to strengthen his defensive options, according to a report in the Mirror.
The Gunners gave away 13 points from a winning position last term and the report suggests that Wenger has seen enough of his side’s soft centre and will scrap to add top-flight defenders to his options at the Emirates.
Bolton’s ex-Aston Villa man Cahill missed just two games for the Trotters last year, which came after being sent-off at the Emirates and the loss of Samba to Blackburn would come as a hammer blow to Steve Kean as Phil Jones looks set to leave for Manchester United.
Jones was reported to have held talks with Arsene Wenger but elected to join the Red Devils instead, with Tottenham and Liverpool also interested in signing the player.
The report suggests that Samba would jump at the move south but that the London club would be expected to pay £12 million to make any move a possibility.
The current Arsenal central defensive quartet consists of of Laurent Koscielny, Sebastien Squillaci, Johan Djourou and last season’s injury-plagued Thomas Vermaelen.