A move for West Brom defender, Jonny Evans was expected to take place and with Manchester City signing Aymeric Laporte, Arsenal emerged to be in the pole position for his signature. The Gunners were already in a tricky situation with Borussia Dortmund for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and could have made it a highly successful January transfer window by sweeping up Evans for £25 million.
The former Manchester United player has quite deservedly drawn high praise from fans and pundits for his impressive stint with the Baggies over the past two and a half seasons. The Northern Ireland international has been the best defensive element in the West Brom lineup despite the side falling to the relegation spot in the current campaign. West Brom have just registered their first win after 21 league fixtures against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend and cannot afford to lose their best defender now that they have dropped to the relegation zone.
We could only witness the best out Jonny Evans when Alex Ferguson was at the helm at Manchester United. The retired Scotsman fielded Evans in the centre back role ahead of a lot of talented options and won three league titles with him in the backline.
West Brom had already completed the move for Egyptian defender Ali Gabr to replace Evans and the transfer fee would have allowed Alan Pardew to make further necessary adjustments in the team. With just 13 games left in the season to save themselves from downgrading to the EFL Championship, Pardew will be happy to have kept Evans. Arsenal’s last-minute bid was reported to be in the region of £12 million and was justifiably rejected by West Brom.
Arsenal’s defence has been one of their worst enemies this season with Wenger struggling to adapt to the back three formation. The injuries to Laurent Koscielny and Nacho Monreal forced out the structure the side had in the past.
Shkodran Mustafi is the best option in the backline but has lacked the cutting edge to really lead the side defensively. Calum Chambers and Rob Holding have been provided with an opportunity to prove themselves over the season but has looked vulnerable at times. The young duo is a huge part of the club’s future, but without consistency will have a tough time breaking into the starting XI.
Per Mertesacker’s retirement after this season will leave a gap in the club ranks in terms of leadership and experience and maybe Evans was being considered to be his replacement.
