Wenger hints at Jonny Evans interest; admits midfielder exit possible

Arsene Wenger all but has admitted his interest in West Brom centre-back Jonny Evans this morning.

Former Man Utd defender Evans almost moved to Man City from West Brom in the summer, but a deal fell through and City are believed to be back in for the 30-year-old Northern Ireland international.

Arsenal are also in the hunt for Evans, who is thought to be ready to leave the Hawthorns, but Evans is understood to favour a move back up north.

Albion are resigned to losing the player and are looking for a £25million fee, with his contract set to expire in the summer of 2019.

Speaking at his news conference ahead of Wedenesday’s League Cup semi-final clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Wenger conceded a battle for Evans with Man City would only end up with one winner.

On Evans, Wenger said: “There is nothing to say. All that would only be philosophical to talk about it. As long as we don’t have any agreement with anybody, I believe the best is not to talk.

“I don’t know if Man City is in for anybody. I don’t know what their policy is. Financially, if the decision comes to finances with Manchester City, we know we will be second best. That is well known.”

Meanwhile, the Gunners boss did admit that “it is a possibility” that Francis Coquelin could leave in January.

Wenger denied West Ham had made an enquiry about Coquelin and La Liga side Valencia have been linked with a move for the 26-year-old by Cadena SER.