Arsenal plot shock transfer swoop for ex-Chelsea captain Gary Cahill with Aston Villa and Palace also interested

claim the Chelsea’s bitter rivals could be set to make him an offer to stay in the capital.

Free agent Cahill has a number of clubs chasing his services as he weighs-up his future.

But the Gunners are the surprise name in the frame for the Stamford Bridge hero as they consider whether or not to offer the ex-England international a deal.

However, they face competition from several other Premier League outfits.

West Ham are also keen while Roy Hodgson would love to bring the veteran to Crystal Palace.

Cahill is determined to remain in the top-flight and he is also believed to be aiming to stay in London.

That could rule out his old team Aston Villa, who are also interested in the centre-half.

But the opportunity of regular first-team football could prove key, and he is most-likely to get that at Villa Park.

Any potential move from Arsenal would make perfect sense for Unai Emery.

The Spaniard has only been given a transfer budget of £45m to spend this summer.

And the chance to bolster his backline with Cahill would allow him to use his money on strengthening other areas of his squad.

Cahill joined Chelsea from Bolton for £7m back in 2011 and went on to make 290 appearances for the Blues as well as winning 61 caps for England.

During that period he helped Chelsea to win two Premier League titles, two Europa Leagues and FA Cups plus the Champions League in 2012.