Blow for Arsenal as £16m bid for star Premier League defender is rejected
Aug 18, 2016 at 12:44 PM
Arsenal have been a busy club this summer transfer window with the manager hoping to get players of top quality to his side.
However, he has managed to sign just the two big names in Granit Xhaka and Rob Holding both of who are expected to take a place in the starting XI.
However, long-term injuries to key players like Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista has seen the manager scout for a central defender this summer with a number of names linked with a move to the Emirates this summer.
It is understood the German international Shkodran Mustafi is their top transfer target but Arsenal have not been able to lure him out of Valencia this summer.
However, the manager has also looked at other options should a deal for Mustafi fall through, and one such link was former Manchester United man Jonny Evans.
The 28-year old was a crucial part of the West Brom side that were decent in the previous season but has now been linked extensively with a move to Arsenal.
The Northern Ireland international has so far played 30 games for the Baggies in the previous season and played a huge role at the back using all his experience and giving West Brom crucial results against top sides in the league in the previous season.
Hs time at Manchester United was not very fruitful but he is a strong defender who will surely improve most Premier League squads.
He is now expected to take a place in the Arsenal squad in place of Mertesacker and Gabriel who are both injured for 5 months and 5 weeks respectively.
However, reports today have revealed that The Baggies are bracing themselves to reject any offer from Arsenal for their star defender.
According to the Sun, the Gunners are plotting a £16m move for the 28-year old and that West Brom will reject the offer to try and keep him at the club for another year.
Evans moved to WBA from Manchester United last summer for a small fee of £6m and will be able to make a £0m profit on his sale if they let his go this summer.
However, Tony Pulis is not ready to dive into the transfer market for other additions and wants to keep Evans at the club. Do you think WBA should sell Evans this summer?