Shocking: Arsenal to settle for former United star instead of World Cup winning German defender
Aug 4, 2016 at 3:49 PM
Arsenal’s pursuit of Jonny Evans has stepped up suddenly as they sent a scout to watch him in action on Monday, according to the Daily Mail.
Evans played for West Brom against Torquay United at a rain-sodden Plainmoor and the Gunners ensured that they tracked his progress.
Evans is being considered as a potential new signing as manager Arsene Wenger looks for cover at centre-back, with numerous big names set to miss the start of the season.
The Northern Ireland defender would represent a cheap deal and would likely only play in a backup role following the return of the likes of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker.
Arsenal also went on their tour of the United States without defenders Gabriel Paulista and Laurent Koscielny who were suffering from tonsillitis and given an extended break respectively.
Arsenal have been strongly linked with a move for Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi and the clubs are in talks for the player but this new link for Jonny Evans goes against that.
the former United defender spent ten years at Old Trafford, making nearly 200 appearances for the club in all competitions. In 2015 he moved to West Bromwich Albion where he impressed during his 30 Premier League matches.
Evans is undoubtedly an experienced defender who has played in all manner of major tournaments. He also has the experience of playing for a big club and in a lot of ways this rumour makes a lot of sense. But there are a number of hang-ups including the price tag on the Northern Irishman’s head.
He moved to The Hawthorns for £8 million last summer but West Brom are thought to want upwards of £15 million for their star defender.
While Evans has the experience of playing at a major club, he was also viewed as surplus to requirements by Manchester United. Former manager Louis Van Gaal even preferred to convert Daley Blind into a centre back then go with Evans. That is damning.