Although Arsenal have three top central defenders in Laurent Koscielny, Gabriel Paulista and Per Mertesacker, the general feeling is that with suspensions and injuries the Gunners could really do with one more talented centre-back. The young Calum Chambers was used early on last season as cover, but his immaturity and propensity to get silly yellow cards saw him drop out of contention in the second half of the season, and it would appear that Wenger is more keen on using him on the right flank.
Well, according to today’s Mirror, Arsene Wenger is set to hijack West Brom’s bid for the experienced Man United defender Jonny Evans. The Baggies are reported to be stalling over the £10m valuation that United want for the out-of-favour 27 year-old. It has been suggested that Arsenal are willing to pay that price for the Northern Irish international to give them more options at the back.
Evans has been given few chances by Louis Van Gaal, having played just 14 League games last season, and he was roundly criticised by Van Gaal after he received a six-match ban following a spitting duel with the Newcastle United striker Papiss Cisse last season.
There is no guarantee that he will get to play more if he comes to the Emirates, but he is certainly tough and knows how to win, after winning three Premiership titles under Alex Ferguson.
Who thinks that Evans is a good buy at that price?