Arsenal are interested in signing Jonny Evans, but the defender is thought to prefer a return to Manchester with Pep Guardiola’s City.
As the hours tick down towards the closure of the summer transfer window, Arsene Wenger is eager to make some much-needed improvements to his squad and has identified Evans as a potential option. Since leaving Manchester United for West Bromwich Albion in 2015, the defender has hugely impressed in the top-flight.
Now the Arsenal boss is prepared to battle his counterpart at City for the signature of the 29-year-old, which threatens to nudge towards £30million after the Blues saw at least one previous bid rejected. Guardiola is refusing to give up just yet, though, and another offer is widely expected to be made before Thursday’s deadline.
And although Wenger is set to rival any bid made to the Baggies, it is understood that Evans would prefer a return to Manchester instead. The centre-half is currently on international duty with Northern Ireland, but head coach Michael O’Neill is willing to let him leave their camp so he can finalise any possible transfer.
Of course, this is the second battle currently being fought between Arsenal and City as they continue to barter over the future of Alexis Sanchez. Guardiola’s club have reportedly failed with a straight cash bid of £50million for wantaway forward, but the Londoners also want forward Raheem Sterling included in any deal.
