Chelsea Transfer News: Gary Cahill Future Doubts, Jonathan Calleri Fuels Rumours

Chelsea centre-back Gary Cahill's days at the club could be numbered due to the club's current policy of only giving one-year contract extensions to players over 30.

According to the Times' Matt Hughes, Cahill—who turns 30 on December 19—will need to agree a new deal with the club before then or be at risk of having to earn yearly contract extensions—a policy that played a large part in the departures of club legends Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole in seasons past.

The defender has been a key figure for the Blues since his arrival in 2012 and formed an outstanding partnership with captain John Terry.

The Daily Mail's Ian Ladyman believes Cahill has become a better player for the experience:

One of Cahill's most notable qualities is his ability to contribute going forward. Sports writer and lawyer Jake Cohen notes his impressive goal tally for the Blues:

Indeed, those 15 strikes comprise a large part of 37 career goals for club and country—a strong record for a centre-back.

The 29-year-old is also particularly strong in the air, which he has demonstrated this season by winning 26 aerial duels in just nine Premier League appearances, according to Squawka.

Squawka also reports he has won more interceptions and blocks in the Premier League than either Terry or Kurt Zouma this season, despite playing fewer minutes.

Though Chelsea have seriously struggled defensively this season, Cahill is typically an able and reliable performer, so it could be a wise move for the club to offer him a new deal before enforcing their rule of one-year extensions.

As far as recruitment is concerned, the Blues will welcome the latest comments from reported target Jonathan Calleri.

Ivan Fernandez/Associated Press

According to Goal (h/t Rhys Turrell of the Daily Star), the Boca Juniors striker admitted: "Six months ago I wasn't ready to move abroad. I believe that right now, after becoming [Argentinian League] champion, [having played] more matches and playing alongside Carlos [Tevez] I'm more prepared."

The 22-year-old would therefore seemingly be open to a move in January, perhaps to Stamford Bridge.

Calleri is the latest hot property to emerge in South America having racked up an incredible 21 goals and 11 assists in all competitions in 2015.

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

The technically gifted forward would be a useful asset to Chelsea, who have been largely lacklustre up front this season and have few quality centre-forward options beyond Diego Costa, who has struggled to hit the heights of last season.

The Blues need to add more firepower, and with January often being a difficult window to sign marquee players, Calleri could be one of the best options available to them.