Arsenal not ready to pay £20million for star player

Defensive issues

Considering Arsenal’s defensive problems this term, they would be well advised to seek solutions with a new defender sooner rather than later.

The North London outfit have conceded a total of 31 goals in 24 matches so far this campaign in the League, giving Arsene Wenger’s side the worst record defensively out of the top six clubs on the log.

In turn, if they plan to climb up the table and compete for the top spots, they have to defend well, but it’s tough to see that materializing unless they reinforce.

Retiring German

Further, Germany international Per Mertesacker is set to hang his boots at the end of the campaign, as cited by BBC Sport, while France international defender Laurent Koscielny and Spain defender Nacho Monreal are both above 30.

Despite that, it looks like they may not make their switch in the closing stages of the January transfer window for another experienced player in West Brom Centre half Jonny Evans, with The Mirror stating that the Gunners aren’t ready to splash £20million on him.

Whether or not a fee will be agreed ahead of the winter transfer deadline remains to be known, but importantly, it’s stated by the Mirror that the former Manchester United defender could be available for only £3million this campaign if the Baggies relegates.