Arsenal 'planning Jonny Evans bid'

Arsenal are reportedly planning to make a surprise bid for West Bromwich Albion defender Jonny Evans as Gunners manager Arsene Wenger looks to bring in defensive reinforcements.

The 28-year-old joined the Baggies in an £8m deal last summer after nine years with Manchester United and impressed in his debut season, with 34 league appearances as part of the division's seventh best defence.

Wenger is in the market for a new defender ahead of the new season following the news that Per Mertesacker is out for the rest of the year with a knee injury.

The Frenchman admitted yesterday that he wants to sign an "experienced central defender" in the next fortnight and according to The Mirror, he now hopes to bring in Evans in a £15m deal.

Eddie Howe's Bournemouth have also been linked with Evans but are unlikely to better any offer from the North London heavyweights.