Arsenal still haven’t made a formal approach for West Brom and Northern Ireland defender Jonny Evans, with transfer deadline day now less than a week away.

After signing Konstantinos Mavropanos early in the window, Abdou Diallo and Evans are the only defenders the media have strongly linked Arsenal to this month. Manchester City were also after the centre-back, but now look close to a deal for Aymeric Laporte.

You’d think that meant things were all set up for the Gunners to make their move, but Mark Mann-Bryans of Press Association Sports says that’s not the case. The journalist said he understands Arsenal haven’t made an approach for the former United man:

Arsene Wenger also played down reports of a move last week, saying he had “nothing to add” on Evans. Of course, this might just be a negotiation tactic by Arsenal. Waiting to get Manchester City out of the picture before making a move would keep the price down.

Plus, revealing your interest in a press conference isn’t exactly a smart idea. On the other hand, the club are really running out of time now. Alan Pardew wants to get any deal done with time to sign a replacement, as he’s made clear in press conferences of his own.

If the Gunners want to make a move, it pretty much has to be now. From the sounds of things, they aren’t making one.