Arsenal will offer striker as part exchange for central defender
Arsenal look set to end their prolonged centre back search by signing 28 year old Phil Jagielka from Everton.
The versatile Englishman can also play in central midfield (as shown when he was at Sheffield United) but Gunners boss Arsene Wenger will prefer to include him in the centre of defence, an area that hasn’t been strong for Arsenal in recent years.
It is understood that Everton rate their dependable centre back at £20m, but Wenger will test their resolve by offering £8m plus Danish international striker Nicklas Bendtner.
Despite the offer not coming close to Everton’s valuation of Jagielka, boss David Moyes may be tempted due to Bendtner being part of the deal.
It is no secret that Moyes’ top priority this season is a goal scorer but, with money being a high commodity at Goodison this season, his options for a proven forward are limited. If the deal is accepted however, Moyes will have an international standard striker on his books plus £8m to invest in more players.
Moyes has been told that he will have to sell to buy this summer and, with many Everton fans wanting to see signings, the deal could be a tempting one for the Toffees.
Will Everton hold out for the money they want for Jagielka? Or will the offer of Bendtner plus cash draw them in?
