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Arsenal: Jonny Evans Better Than Mertesacker, Gabriel
Arsenal may turn their attention to Jonny Evans. While an unflashy name, the West Brom defender is already a better player than Per Mertesacker and Gabriel.
A spate of summer injuries brought to the attention of the national media and casual fans, the lack of quality options that Arsenal had at centre-half. To the more serious supporter, though, this need has been known for some time, and such injuries only heightened the need for an immediate solution.
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The two injuries I refer to are Per Mertesacker’s and Gabriel Paulista’s. Paulista will miss another month, if not two, while Per is likely out til Christmas time. Having two experienced, senior defenders unavailable for such a prolonged period of time has highlighted the need of investment at the position to many, but the Gunners need more than just a stop-gap solution.
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Even with Gabriel and Mertesacker in the squad, Arsenal have continually lacked defensive solidarity. They are naive, unorganised and at times, unwilling, to defend. Therefore, in Arsene Wenger’s desperate search for a centre-half, turning to West Bromwich Albion defender Jonny Evans is not as world-ending as many will have you believe.
In a shrinking market where options are dwindling, Evans offers a player of experience and quality. Having played nearly 200 games for Manchester United, winning three Premier League titles in the process, Evans is not a substandard defender. Far from it, in fact.
Resolute and determined, Evans offers the type of defender that the squad does not currently possess. Hard-nosed, industrious and dominant, Evans is far less cultured than the likes of Mertesacker and Koscielny, and that is certainly no bad things. Moreover, with extensive experience in the Premier League, he should be ready to play from day one without much time to adapt.
The sticking point? The reported price. West Brom are demanding £25 million, a price that they are fair to quote given Arsenal’s desperate need at the position and the lack of time they have to satisfy it. If Wenger is willing to pay such an extortionate fee, something that would be a great surprise, then Evans should slot in as the first choice defender alongside Koscielny.
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Evans is a far superior option to an ageing Mertesacker and wholly unconvincing Gabriel, and although the price is steep, he would not be a terrible signing if Wenger can complete a deal between now and the deadline.