Arsenal were ‘nowhere near’ signing West Brom star

Arsenal were not even close to landing Jonny Evans from West Brom on the final day of the January transfer window, Alan Pardew has insisted.

The Gunners have held a long-standing interest in the Northern Ireland international and have been keen to secure his signature for the last two windows.

However, West Brom were understandably keen to keep hold of one of their key men and refused any approaches for Evans in January. Pardew, as quoted by Goal, discussed Arsenal’s pursuit of the former Manchester United defender.

It wasn’t for a lack of warning to the clubs like Arsenal. I sat here every week saying there was no point coming in late unless it was going to knock us off our chair.

It was nowhere near that. They got the response they were expecting with that bid. Jonny is an important, great player and part of the spine of the team.

Evans has been an impressive player for the Baggies since his arrival from United and he has established himself as one of the more consistent defenders in the top flight.

Arsenal and Manchester City had been tussling over his signature, but the league leaders signed Aymeric Laporte, once linked with the Gunners, for a club-record fee.

However, it seems Arsenal will be forced to reassess their interest in Evans when the summer comes around after seeing their attempts rebuffed in January.