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Arsenal legend Martin Keown reveals real reason behind failed Jonny Evans signing
ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger did not want to sign Jonny Evans that much - that is why he did not stump up what West Brom wanted for their captain.
Jonny Evans was subject of a deadline day bid from Arsenal last month
That is the opinion of BT Sport pundit and former Arsenal centre-back Martin Keown.
Wenger revealed in an interview Arsenal did not have enough money to sign Evans.
The Gunners failed with a £13million bid for the Northern Ireland international on transfer deadline day in January.
Keown reckons Wenger was not desperate to land Evans and says money would not have been an issue.
Obviously he didn’t want Jonny Evans that much
“I can’t believe they didn’t have enough money but maybe they just couldn’t meet the valuation,” he said.
“Arsene Wenger did say in that interview as well that nothing’s changed, he’s still in charge.
“Obviously he didn’t want Jonny Evans that much.”
Former Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand was working alongside Keown.
Arsene Wenger clearly was not desperate to sign Jonny Evans, claims Martin Keown
He cannot believe Arsenal could not get a deal over the line for his former team-mate Evans.
“Go and take him out of the club,” Ferdinand said.
“You’re Arsenal Football Club, go and take him. He’s a centre-half at West Brom, no disrespect.
“Arsenal should be going in there and taking him, whatever it takes because they needed him.”