Jagielka snub shows Arsenal lure is fading

The Everton defender Phil Jagielka remains Arsène Wenger's first choice when it comes to solving the absence of a commanding, injury-free centre-back, but there are concerns he will again reject the chance of a move to Arsenal.

Jagielka, 28, and an England international, signed a new four-year contract in March, having been sounded out about a move to Arsenal last summer. On that occasion he was not prepared to push for it. With the club again losing some of their leading lights this summer, the early soundings that Arsenal have had are that Jagielka does not regard a move to Arsenal as a more attractive option than staying at Everton.

Everton value the player at around £15m–£20m – about the same as Bolton's price tag for Gary Cahill, another option for Wenger. But there is now a feeling in football that they have slipped far enough behind Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City that even for players from the second tier of clubs Arsenal are no longer a major draw.