Arsenal push ahead with Jonny Evans transfer as Manchester City switch targets to Aymeric Laporte

Evans would cost £20m plus potentially £4m in agent fees

Ed Malyon
Wednesday 24 January 2018 04:15 EST
Comments
Jonny Evans won't renew with Albion and Arsenal look set to take advantage
Jonny Evans won't renew with Albion and Arsenal look set to take advantage (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Arsenal still want to sign Jonny Evans and will make a renewed move to bring the West Brom defender to north London this week..

Evans was a summer target for both the Gunners and Manchester City, and his refusal to sign a new contract at the Hawthorns means he is likely to leave in the summer if not by the end of January.

Albion are holding out for £20m for the veteran centre-back, even though a clause in the Ulsterman’s contract would allow him to walk for just £3m if they are relegated this season.

Man City shifting their interest back to Aymeric Laporte, the France defender who enraged them 18 months ago by pulling out of a move at the eleventh hour, gives Arsenal a clear headstart in the race for Evans.

But the Baggies believe that the former Manchester United centre-back is worth every bit of £20m in their battle against relegation and are thus refusing to budge on that valuation, leaving the ball in Arsenal’s court.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in