Arsenal are stepping up their push to sign a defender this summer, but it remains to be seen whether or not Chelsea pip them to their primary target.
The Gunners saw Per Mertesacker pick up a serious injury in pre-season, with the German defender now sidelined for a few months.
Coupled with the fact that Laurent Koscielny will miss the start of the Premier League campaign after being given additional time off after Euro 2016, the north London outfit will have to rely on Gabriel, Calum Chambers and summer signing Rob Holding to start the season.
In turn, Arsene Wenger is lacking experienced and reliable options in central defence and will have to act quickly in order to address the problem and bring in suitable cover before the deadline.
According to The Daily Mail, Arsenal have made enquiries for both Shkodran Mustafi and Jonny Evans, but they have yet to make a bid for either man.
What makes the situation even more tricky, is that the report adds that Chelsea have also added the German international to their transfer shortlist as Antonio Conte looks to bolster his own defensive line.
In turn, Wenger will have to make his move for the Valencia defender and hope that he isn’t beaten out by their direct rivals which in turn will force them to settle for an alternative.
Evans left Manchester United for the Baggies last year, making 30 Premier League appearances and forming an important part of Tony Pulis’ team before representing Northern Ireland at Euro 2016.
The 28-year-old would certainly be an experienced option who would need little time to settle in his new surroundings, but whether or not it’s the type of signing that the Arsenal supporters want is up for debate.