Arsenal boss encouraged to sign established 30-year-old defender to replace retiring German

Mike Phelan feels Arsenal could lure Jonny Evans to the North London outfit if manager Arsene Wenger pays West Bromwich Albion’s asking price.

The former United defender is one of the Premier League’s most experienced centre-halves following 10 campaigns in the League with Manchester United, Sunderland and West Brom

Indeed, the defender has a proven winning mentality cultivated at United after an impressive return of three English Premier League crowns, three League Cup trophies and the World Club Cup during his nine seasons at Old Trafford.

Evans, 30, was a vital figure of the Red Devil squad that reached the UEFA Champions League final back in 2009 followed by a 2-0 defeat to FC Barcelona in Rome.

The experienced defender has been solid at the back for West Brom in recent years after Dutch Louis van Gaal sold the Northern Irish central defender to the Baggies back in the 2015 summer window.

The Ex-Manchester United number two Mike Phelan backed Arsene Wenger’s pursuit of the defender.

The Gunners lost 4-2 to English Championship club Nottingham Forest in the Emirates FA Cup third round fixture on Sunday.

Arsene Wenger’s men have conceded 28 goals in 22 matches in the English top flight this campaign leaving them five points behind fourth-placed Merseyside giants Liverpool FC in the bid to secure UEFA Champions League place.