Arsenal are reportedly still interested in signing West Bromwich Albion defender Jonny Evans this month, but are unwilling to meet the Baggies' £20m asking price.
The Gunners were also linked with Evans last summer and now look to be in pole position to land the 30-year-old's signature after Manchester City turned their attention to Aymeric Laporte.
Arsenal sent a representative to watch Evans during West Brom's FA Cup win over Liverpool on Saturday evening and are still hopeful of completing a deal before Wednesday's transfer deadline.
However, The Mirror reports that the North Londoners have told West Brom that they will not pay anything close to the £20m asking price, with Evans available for just £3m in the summer if the Baggies are relegated this season.
Arsenal may still need to raise funds if they are to afford Evans in addition to the possible club-record capture of Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, though.
Any deal for the Northern Ireland international could therefore hinge on whether Olivier Giroud leaves the club, with Chelsea understood to be interested in the £35m-rated striker.
Barney Corkhill
