Wenger’s new bid for Cahill after Vermaelen is crocked

Arsene Wenger has renewed his interest in Gary Cahill after Thomas Vermaelen was injured in the defeat to Benfica. That’s according to the Mail, which reports that chief scout Steve Rowley went to the Reebok Stadium on Friday to assess Cahill in Bolton’s 1-0 defeat by Levante. The paper says it is a “clear indication” the club are ready to ramp up their interest. The paper fails to reveal the extent of the injury to TV5.

Meanwhile, the Telegraph reports that Arsenal are poised to complete the £12 million signing of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from Southampton and also hope to confirm two further additions to their squad this week.

The paper claims that the need for a new defender is even more important by injuries to both TV5 and Kieran Gibbs, who suffered a thigh strain and so is likely to miss the first game of the season on Saturday against Newcastle.

It adds that Vermaelen is hoping to be available after coming off as a precaution with back pain. Vermaelen may be asked to play left-back against Newcastle if, as expected, Gibbs is ruled out, although there is also the option of Armand Traore.

CARL ELDRIDGE _ Follow me on Twitter @eldomedia