Arsenal push ahead with Jonny Evans transfer as Manchester City switch targets to Aymeric Laporte

Arsenal still want to sign Jonny Evans and will make a renewed move to bring the West Brom defender to north London this week..

Evans was a summer target for both the Gunners and Manchester City, and his refusal to sign a new contract at the Hawthorns means he is likely to leave in the summer if not by the end of January.

Albion are holding out for £20m for the veteran centre-back, even though a clause in the Ulsterman’s contract would allow him to walk for just £3m if they are relegated this season.

Man City shifting their interest back to Aymeric Laporte, the France defender who enraged them 18 months ago by pulling out of a move at the eleventh hour, gives Arsenal a clear headstart in the race for Evans.

But the Baggies believe that the former Manchester United centre-back is worth every bit of £20m in their battle against relegation and are thus refusing to budge on that valuation, leaving the ball in Arsenal’s court.