While replacing Arsene Wenger will be high up the priority list for Arsenal this summer, they also need a few additions to their first team to compete with the best next season. This has seen Arsenal linked with a number of established stars from around the continent but one player, they are looking to sign on the cheap is Jonny Evans.
Arsenal Launch Evans Bid:
A transfer target for the likes of Manchester City, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur, Evans has been on Arsenal’s radar for over a year now and reports from TMW now claim that they have taken the first step to landing Evans this summer.
The Northern Ireland defender has a release clause of just £3m after West Brom were relegated. Arsenal are ready to meet his valuation, but face competition from City, who also reportedly are interested. So is Evans the right fit for Arsenal?
Evans And His History:
Having started his senior career with Manchester United, the 30-year old spent nine years at the club, winning three league titles in that time. He made 29 league appearances for the Red Devils in the 2011-12 season but slowly faded away and gradually lost his place in the first team. He made just 14 league appearances in the 2014-15 season after which he was sold to West Brom in 2015.
He took no time to cement his place in the first team and has played a minimum of 30 games in the last two seasons, and 28 in the recently concluded campaign. He also has 68 appearances for the national side and is an established defender, who will only improve a squad.
Known for his understanding of the game and the interceptions he makes in dangerous areas, the 30-year old is strong in the air and in hold up play but more importantly, he is calm and composed with the ball at his feet. He can set up attacks from the back but is at his best sitting deep and soaking up the pressure. He is a threat in either box and will be a decent acquisition for Arsenal.
Where Does He Fit In?
Late season bloomer Konstantinos Mavropanos along with Calum Chambers and Rob Holding are all backup options for Arsenal next season. Laurent Koscielny, though still the first choice, might miss the first half of the next campaign with an injury, leaving Shkodran Mustafi as the only senior CB choice for Arsenal.
They need more than one established defender to help set up a strong backline and Evans, at just £3m, fits the bill well. The Gunners are also interested in Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli and Jose Gimenez from Atletico Madrid but both names are expensive so spending a meagre amount on a proven CB like Evans makes a lot of sense for the future of the club.
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored
