Mikel Arteta has told Arsenal that he wants to sign West Ham defender Issa Diop in the summer, according to Metro Sport, and the Frenchman could prove to be the perfect summer recruit.
Since succeeding Unai Emery as Gunners, Arteta has moved quickly to shore up the club’s defence. In his 10 games in charge, Arsenal have conceded just nine goals while losing just one game, compared to 14 goals conceded in Emery’s opening ten games of the season, where he lost twice in the Premier League.
Arteta wants to see further improvement made in the summer however, and he has targeted West Ham centre-back Diop to lead his recruitment drive, with the 23-year old having impressed as one of the standout performers in a disappointing season for the Hammers.
Manchester United were quoted a fee of around £60 million last summer, and with the Red Devils still interested in the former Toulouse man, the price could well rise following Arsenal’s interest.
Should the Gunners find the funds to sanction a move for Diop however, he could prove to be the perfect candidate to consolidate the club’s backline.
Arsenal are expected to see Sokratis leave in the summer, and with William Saliba set to return from his loan with Saint-Etienne at the end of the season, the Gunners could look to Diop to partner Saliba, replacing David Luiz in the starting line-up.
Despite being 6ft 4in, Diop has been blessed with a quick turn of a pace for a larger centre-back, and the combination of pace and power has often made him a difficult player for opposition attackers to contend with.
Highly comfortable with the ball at his feet, while also someone who thrives in defensive scenarios with tackling, blocking and intercepting considered his respectable traits, Diop appears to be the complete package defender who could improve the Gunners immediately.
If Arteta is keen to prioritise consolidating quality at the back for Arsenal in the summer, a move for Diop, while potentially expensive, could represent a firm stride in the right direction.
