According to the Mirror, Arsenal are plotting a move for West Ham centre-back Issa Diop this summer as Gunners boss Mikel Arteta looks to revamp his defence for next season.
What’s the word?
The Frenchman has been courted by Manchester United in the past with Hammers co-owner David Gold issuing a hands-off warning, but the report suggests Arsenal are willing to test their resolve with a bid during the summer.
There is a belief that the north London outfit could poach the defender from their rivals should they fail to stave off relegation – provided the current campaign resumes.
Diop still has three years to run on his current contract and is valued at £31.5m by Transfermarkt.
The Mirror also suggest that if West Ham remain a Premier League outfit, they could command over double the £22.5m they paid Toulouse for him in 2018.
Arteta’s new backline
Arteta will be welcoming back a fellow Frenchman, William Saliba, into the first-team setup this summer after the teenager remained at Saint-Etienne on loan for the season.
He has continued to impress in Ligue 1, averaging 2.9 clearances, 1.8 interceptions and 1.6 tackles from 12 appearances, via WhoScored.
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Given the Gunners’ troubles at the back through the likes of David Luiz, Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis Papastathopoulos, there could be a new-look backline lining up at the Emirates Stadium.
Only two other teams in the top ten have conceded more goals than Arsenal in the Premier League this season.
The latter two are ageing into their 30s while the German has always had his error-prone past hanging over his head.
Diop could become his partner in the heart of a youthful and future-minded centre-back pairing under Arteta.
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The 6 foot 4 colossus would need no time in adapting to the demands of the English top-flight, and as a fellow French native, he could help Saliba make a smooth switch.
Capped six times by his national team, Diop has featured 64 times for West Ham while this term, the 23-year-old is averaging more clearances (5.3) than Luiz (4) and Sokratis (3.5) and wins more offsides (1.1) and interceptions (1.7) than Mustafi.
And in other news, Arsenal scout defender Bruno Fuchs…
