Bolton expect fresh Arsenal approach for Gary Cahill

Bolton manager Owen Coyle would not be surprised if Arsenal mounted another bid to sign star defender Gary Cahill during the January transfer window.

Cahill was at the centre of some irritation between the Gunners and Saturday's opponents Bolton last month after lodging what Coyle felt was a 'derisory' bid for the England international.

Despite a widespread expectation Cahill would eventually move on, when September arrived he remained at Bolton, and will be part of the squad Coyle takes to the Emirates Stadium this weekend.

However, it is by no means certain he will stay at the Reebok for the rest of the season.

With neither Arsenal, nor another potential suitor, Tottenham, looking comfortable at the back, Coyle realises further approaches can be anticipated.

"I wouldn't be surprised if they came back," he said.

"Arsene has always said he is an admirer of Gary Cahill. But the clubs never agreed a fee."

It does provide Cahill with an additional incentive this weekend, although Coyle does not agree it is a question of proving Wenger wrong - more a case of emphasising the talent he already knows exists.

"Gary has nothing to prove," he said.

"He is a top performer, who is set for a glittering career."

After developing a personal relationship close enough for Coyle to secure the services of Jack Wilshere during the early part of 2010, it did appear the Cahill saga had caused some tension between the Bolton boss and Wenger.

Coyle insists that assessment is not true.

And he is adamant there will be no friction between the dugouts on Saturday at a time when Wenger is under more pressure than he has ever experienced at Arsenal.

"The only tension will be that we both want to win the game," he said.

"In fact, the criticism Arsene has received is absolutely ridiculous.

"He is one of the best managers in world football. Always has been. Always will be.

"The nature of the league we are in, with its global coverage, is that everybody has an opinion and sometimes there will be criticism."

What Coyle cannot understand is why Wenger is receiving so much stick when he is operating with a budget far smaller than the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea and has been responsible for producing football few would argue has been the best in the entire Premier League set-up.

"If someone asked me which team I wanted to go and watch, I would choose Arsenal," he said.

"The way they play football is so pleasing on the eye. They have unbelievable players. They have pace. They are dynamic. Free-flowing.

"The one gripe is that they are not winning trophies but they had a bit of bad luck with the Carling Cup last year.

"But sometimes people have to be careful what they wish for.

"Arsene Wenger is an outstanding manager. There is no doubt in my mind he and Arsenal are a perfect match."

After losing four games on the trot after an opening-day success at QPR, Bolton must get their season back on track quickly.

They received a major boost on Tuesday when Stuart Holden returned after a six-month absence in the Carling Cup win at Aston Villa.

However, the United States midfielder did not train today and Coyle is cautious about demanding too much, too soon from the 26-year-old.

"Stuart has come out of a tough game having been out for six months," said Coyle.

"We hope he is fit but we have to make sure we don't put him in a situation that is harmful."