Arsenal reportedly sent a scout to watch West Brom’s centre-back Jonny Evans during the Baggies’ defeat to Torquay on Monday.
Arsene Wenger is very short of fit centre-backs as the new season approaches, and has been forced to buy as a result, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Per Mertesacker recently picked up a knee injury that will rule him out for the next six months, whilst Laurent Koscielny is still recovering from his exploits with France at Euro 2016.
Meanwhile, Gabriel Paulista missed a large portion of the club’s preseason through illness and Calum Chambers is still failing to adapt to life at the Emirates.
They have been strongly linked with a move for Valenica’s Shkodran Mustafi, but have been put off by the club’s £35 million valuation.
Evans would represent a cheaper option than the German and already has a vast amount of Premier League through his time at Manchester United and West Brom.The no.6 ace made 30 appearances in the league last season, and averaged eight defensive actions per game, including 119 clearances and 92 interceptions.
Whether Wenger moves for Mustafi or Evans could depend on if the Gunners purchase Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon, who could cost as much as £40 million himself.
They will hope any move will be completed before Arsenal face Liverpool in their Premier League opener next week.
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