Despite being in desperate need of an experienced centre-back, Arsenal could reportedly put off signing West Brom defender Jonny Evans until the summer.
According to the Telegraph, Arsenal can’t afford to hand Dortmund a club-record fee of £60m (£55.4m plus add-ons) for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and cough up at least £20m for Evans in the same transfer window.
If the Gunners wait until the summer, the Baggies will have to reduce their asking price as the 30-year-old will only have a year left on his contract. The news comes as a blow because, even though Aubameyang is an exciting signing, Arsenal really do need centre-backs.
Their defending this season has been embarrassing and Evans could add some experience to the backline, especially with Per Mertesacker retiring at the end of the season.
The Gunners never replaced Gabriel when the Brazilian signed for Valencia over the summer, while Laurent Koscielny’s Achilles has been playing up. Therefore, Arsene Wenger could be left scraping the barrel for defenders if the side is once again struck by injuries this season.
Twenty-two-year-old Rob Holding is liked by Arsenal fans, but has been unconvincing since his move from Bolton in 2016. The England international could be going out on loan to Burnley before Wednesday too, although this seems dependent on whether Evans comes in or not.
Calum Chambers is an option but, again, we need more experience and the Northern Ireland international would have added that.