• Premier League

Arsenal fail with bid for Cahill

Bolton have rejected a bid from Arsenal for defender Gary Cahill.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has money burning a hole in his pocket following the sales of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri and has been implored to reinvest the funds in his squad.

The Frenchman has suggested he wants to add to his midfield, stating he is happy with his defensive options, but that claim has not held water with Arsenal fans and it would appear to have been a smokescreen after stepping in with a bid for Cahill.

The defender is in the final year of his contract, but Wenger will have to up the ante after Bolton turned down the offer.

Trotters chairman Phoil Gartside has taken to Twitter, retweeting a comment using some choice words to describe a £6 million offer from Arsenal as derisory.

"There was a conversation between (Bolton chairman) Phil Gartside and a representative of Arsenal," Bolton boss Owen Coyle said. "I'm only passing this on as a third party, but the word derisory doesn't even cover it.

"When I make an offer for a player, I'd like to think in the right ball park, but this wasn't even close.

"I spoke to Gary Cahill about it before the Macclesfield game, and he knows everything that's going on."

Coyle has made no secret of his desire to retain the services of Cahill, but has conceded the desire to play at the highest level is a big lure and would not stand in his way if a suitable offer is tabled.

Everton defender Phil Jagielka and Blackburn centre back Chris Samba are two other defenders on Wenger's radar.

Bolton have been dealt a blow with the news full back Marcos Alonso is facing a minimum of two months on the sidelines after breaking a metatarsal in the Carling Cup win over Macclesfield.

"He will be out for eight to 12 weeks, which is a real blow for him because he was starting to get to grips with the English game," Coyle said. "It was really innocuous - he crossed the ball in and his standing foot just went from under him without any contact from another player. He will get the best rehab and hopefully he will be back fit and available as soon as possible."

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