Arsenal Transfer News: Jonny Evans Blow Dealt by West Brom, Top Gunners Rumours

West Bromwich Albion will reportedly reject any attempt from Arsenal to sign Jonny Evans this summer. 

According to the Sun's Ken Lawrence, the Baggies will "refuse to sell" the Northern Irishman should the Gunners make a "desperate" bid to recruit him, even if Arsenal offer £16 million—£10 million more than they paid for him last year.

Arsenal are in dire need of defensive reinforcements with Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista injured, while Laurent Koscielny isn't fit after an extended summer break.

Meanwhile, MailOnline's Adam Crafton reported the Gunners are also holding talks with Atletico Madrid regarding Jose Gimenez:

However, Crafton added Arsenal are "baulking" at Los Rojiblancos' asking price of around £40 million.

Here are his stats from last year compared with Evans', per Squawka:

	Evans	Gimenez
Apps	30	27
Minutes	2,590	2,430
Tackles	52	40
Aerial Duels	54	56
Interceptions	92	67
Blocks	28	18
Clearances	119	154
Pass Completion	76%	73%

While the former Manchester United defender has the edge in the numbers and is a more experienced head at 28, many Arsenal fans would likely prefer Gimenez.

The 21-year-old has emerged as a big talent at the Vicente Calderon Stadium in recent years and played a key role in a defence that conceded just 18 league goals last year.

Football writer Oli Price-Bates is an admirer:

So, too, is football journalist Rafael Hernandez, who believes Gimenez to be better than some of Europe's other top young defensive talent:

Here's a look at him in action:

Despite his age, Gimenez already has 28 caps for Uruguay, so he boasts more experience than either Rob Holding or Calum Chambers despite being of similar age.

The youngster is already a commanding centre-back and still has many years in which to grow and develop. With his potential, he could well become a world-class defender.

Had West Brom been willing to sell, Evans could have made for an emergency signing—he'd probably be better than failing to bring in another defender entirely.

If a player such as Gimenez is available, though, Arsenal should not hesitate to bring him in even at the valuations reported.