Arsenal have centre-back back up plans for Blackburn and Chelsea defenders
Footybunker.com have been led to believe that Arsenal have two back up plans should they fail in their attempts to land Everton defender Phil Jagielka.
The Emirates club are ready to make an improved offer for Jagielka this week, raising their offer to £13.5m however they will be unwilling to match Everton’s valuation of offers close to £15m. Should this be the case then Arsenal are ready to either allow Eboue to join Blackburn Rovers as part of a switch that would see Christopher Samba join Wenger’s team, or they will prepare a £12m offer for Brazilian defender Alex who currently plays for Chelsea.
Whilst Alex was part of the best Premiership defence for Chelsea last season, Villas-Boas is looking to bring in more “athletic” defenders and the club are willing to listen to offers for the 29 year old. Bayern Munich are also said to be interested in the former PSV Einhoven centre-back.
It seems that Arsenal are not prepared to spend more than £13.5m on a central defender which certainly rules out Bolton Wanderers’ Gary Cahill, however should they use Eboue in a swap deal would that not be a risk, many would feel a simple cash only offer whilst keeping Eboue would be the best option and it is quite a tall task asking one of the clubs Premiership rivals if they will sell them one of their better defenders.
Should Everton and David Moyes stand firm then Arsenal will need to consider any back up plans rather carefully.
