Arsenal want £10m Man United defender as Louis van Gaal closes in on defensive signing

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Arsenal are understood to be considering a surprise move for Manchester United defender Jonny Evans.

According to the Sunday Mirror, Arsene Wenger is keen to add another centre-back to his squad, and sees United’s Evans as an ideal candidate to reinforce his backline.

The paper note that the defender is valued at £10 million, and that the Gunners may look to beat off competition to sign the Northern Ireland international.

West Bromwich Albion are understood to be interested in the centre-back, although for the time being, the Throstles are hesitant to meet United’s hefty £10 million asking price.

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However, while the fee may not be a stumbling block for Arsenal, it remains to be seen whether Evans would opt for the Emirates Stadium over the Hawthorns.

Admittedly, Arsenal could offer the 27-year-old the prospect of Champions League and a potential title challenge, but would Evans be guaranteed first-team football with the North London heavyweights?

With the likes of Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny, Calum Chambers and Gabriel Paulista all vying for a place in the heart of the Gunners’ defence, Evans may risk moving into a replacement role in the capital.

However, it would appear as though he can hope for little better at United.

Louis van Gaal has not been slow to splash the cash this summer; Memphis Depay arrived after the end of last season, while the Red Devils are closing in on the signing of Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger [BBC Sport].

They have also moved to bring in a defensive reinforcement, with Matteo Darmian on the brink of completing his move from Torino [Daily Mail].

While Darmian is most likely to slot into the side at right-back, he can also play in the centre of the defence. United have also been linked to likes of John Stones [Daily Mail], Sergio Ramos [Mirror] and Raphael Varane [Express] this summer, and it would appear as though van Gaal has made the heart of the defence a key area to improve.

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