Arsenal to beat West Brom in signing Manchester United defender Jonny Evans

Arsenal are considering a move to sign Manchester United defender Jonny Evans, according to the Mirror.

The 27-year-old struggled in the 2014/15 season under Louis van Gaal's guidance as there has been a dip in his form over the last campaign. He has one year left on his current deal at Old Trafford.

United handed Chris Smalling and Phil Jones a new deal which helped the Red Devils secure the England international duo's future. Evans has still not been handed an extension and could be on his way out of the club.

Arsene Wenger is open to buying a centre-back in the summer transfer market and has turned his attention to Evans. The Frenchman wants to further strengthen his side's back four and has set his sights on the United defender.

The Gunners have Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker as the first choice centre-backs in the squad, along with January signing Gabriel Paulista. He is aware a move to the Emirates will not guarantee him regular playing time.

United are interested in bringing in a central defender in the summer transfer window. Spanish newspaper AS claims Van Gaal is looking to sign Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos and Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi.

If either one of them joins United, then Evans will further drop the pecking order behind Smalling, Jones and Marcos Rojo. The Mirror reports the Northern Irish international is valued around £10m ($15.5m).

Arsenal have already strengthened their squad by signing goalkeeper Petr Cech from Chelsea. Any move from the Gunners for Evans will see them face competition from the Premier League clubs.

West Bromwich Albion are also in the hunt to secure the services of Evans. They earlier signed Darren Fletcher from United in the January transfer window and are now looking to make an approach for the centre-back. Another report in The Mirror claims Everton are also in the race to sign Evans.

However, Arsenal are confident of fending off any competition for Evans as they believe they can beat other English clubs in signing him. United are likely to leave Evans only if they manage to seal a deal for a defender, with a move for Argentine international Otamendi likely to be close.