Chelsea Transfer News: Gary Cahill Reportedly in Talks with Galatasaray

Gill Clark @@gillclarkyFeatured Columnist IAugust 24, 2018

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 07: Gary Cahill of Chelsea in action during the pre-season friendly match between Chelsea and Olympique Lyonnais at Stamford Bridge on August 7, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)

Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images

Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has reportedly been given permission by the Blues to discuss a summer move to Turkish side Galatasaray.

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia has met with Galatasaray president Mustafa Cengiz to talk about a deal for the 32-year-old, according to Fotomac (h/t the Mirror's Jake Polden).

Cahill is out of contract next summer and has slipped down the pecking order under new manager Maurizio Sarri who has brought David Luiz back into the team.

The England international has failed to make Sarri's squad for Chelsea's first two Premier League games of the season. He looks as though he may find it difficult to secure regular game time.

The Italian has said Cahill must be patient, according to Goal's Nizaar Kinsella:

Nizaar Kinsella @NizaarKinsella
Sarri says he told Gary Cahill to be patient but that he is "important" to Chelsea still. #CFC

Sarri has plenty of options at centre-back and has gone with Antonio Rudiger and Luiz as his favoured partnership so far with Cahill and Andreas Christensen as back-ups.

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Cahill faced stiff competition for his place in the team last season under Antonio Conte. Rudiger was preferred for Chelsea's most important games such as the UEFA Champions League last-16 clash against Barcelona.

However, the Englishman did feature in the FA Cup final in May. He captained the side as Chelsea beat Manchester United 1-0 at Wembley Stadium.

Sarri has tried to explain why Cahill is not being selected currently, per ESPN FC's Liam Twomey:

Liam Twomey @liam_twomey
Sarri on Cahill: "In this moment, for a defender it's more difficult to play in my team after only 20 days of training. It's easier I think for offensive players, but for defensive players it's more difficult. In this moment he needs to have much more defensive training" #cfc

Sarri's decision to bring Luiz back into the team is also bad news for Cahill. The Brazilian fell out of favour under Conte, but he appears to be thriving under the club's new manager.

The 31-year-old has explained why he enjoys playing under the Italian, as shown by Goal:

Goal UK @GoalUK
David Luiz is already in love with Sarri after a difficult time under Conte https://t.co/Djevf4C7K4 https://t.co/jDHAHW1xVl

Sarri has said he expects Luiz to be "very important" to the team this season, per The Independent.

It remains to be seen if Cahill is interested in leaving the club he joined in 2012 from Bolton Wanderers. Galatasaray would certainly provide a fresh challenge and could also offer Champions League football.

Fatih Terim's side won the Turkish Super League last season and have kicked off this season with wins in their opening two games.