Arsenal determined to beat Man City to sign Man United legend in January

Former Man United players Wayne Rooney (R) and Jonny Evans celebrate a goal [Photo: Courtesy]

Arsene Wenger has insisted Arsenal are ready to carry on spending in the January transfer window - and Jonny Evans is top of their wish list.

Gunners boss Wenger has already brought in Henrikh Mkhitaryan, is closing in on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang but made it very clear they got more cash to buy more reinforcements this month.

Arsenal are keen on West Brom centre half Evans and believe they may have the edge on Manchester City who are looking on the Continent for defensive reinforcements.

Evans, 30, is rated at £20m by West Brom but the Northern Ireland international has 18 months left on his contract, is refusing to sign a new deal and could leave in the summer for £3m if the Baggies go down.

Arsenal have been back in touch with West Brom and Wenger insists there is cash to spend. They have also looked at Mainz defender Abdou Diallo as central defence is the key area they want to strengthen.

Wenger said: “It depends on the opportunities we have. We can buy players. We are busy on all fronts, so overall I think we are open-minded. Every opportunity we have to strengthen our squad, we’ll take.

“If people want to buy some of our players, we have [examined that] - players who have less chances to play, we have done it, who deserve to play because they are great players, who have left us.

“After that, we’ll see at the end. There’s still a lot that will happen as usual on the transfer market.”

Evans played for Manchester United and won various trophies under former manager Alex Ferguson before departing to West brom. Wenger is looking for defensive reinforcements. Arsenal are yet to replace the Brazilian defender Gabriel Paulista who exited to Spain and Evans could just be the main to occupy that position for Arsene Wenger.