We might not know how long the recently injured Gabriel will be sidelined for, but it seems Arsene Wenger won’t be waiting around to hear the doctor’s diagnosis.
Instead, he’s set his sights on West Brom defender Jonny Evans as he looks to bring in defensive reinforcements ahead of Arsenal’s opening game against Liverpool.
The former Manchester United man has popped up as a surprise target for the Gunners, who are in desperate need of experience at the back following recent developments.
Whilst Laurent Koscielny has returned to full training, the weekend will come too soon for him and at this very moment it looks as if Holding (20) and Chambers (21) will be asked to step in.
Arsenal in for Jonny Evans. He’s a very good player. Ask West Brom fans how good he has been for them.
— John Brewin (@JohnBrewinESPN) August 8, 2016
The news broke late on Monday evening with Arsenal reportedly working day and night to bring in an experienced player capable of fitting straight into the starting line-up.
At 28, Evans has a wealth of experience in England’s top division and has been a prolific member of The Baggies squad following his £6million switch late last August.
Gunners fans hit Twitter with mixed reactions to the news, but if it wasn’t for a few blunders at United the centre back would have a great reputation in this country.
When you look at what Evans can bring to the side, he ticks the boxes for what we’re looking for despite not being the glamorous mega-money signing some of us were wanting.
Experience and comfort is what we need right now, a player who can come in and command a defence from the off whilst also challenging the likes of Gabriel and Mertesacker for a place in the future.
It’s a quick signing that could have serious implications to Arsenal’s start to the campaign, and if they can wrap it up within the next five days he’s bound to start on Sunday afternoon.
Reports from reliable journalist David Ornstein also confirm that Arsenal remain in the hunt for Shkodran Mustafi who is believed to be Wenger’s first-choice man.
That deal could go down to the wire though due to Valencia holding out for every penny, whilst West Brom would be happy to settle on any profit for the man they signed less than a year ago.
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