Report – London rivals plot summer swoop for West Ham big name
Arsenal are plotting a summer swoop for West Ham defender Issa Diop, according to the Mirror.
The report states that Gunners boss Mikel Arteta believes that the Frenchman could be the solution to his side’s long-standing issues at the heart of defence.
It is understood that the Hammers are keen to hang on to the 23-year-old, but Arsenal believe that they could force through a move if David Moyes’ side fail to beat the drop this season.
West Ham signed Diop for £22.5 million from Ligue 1 side Toulouse at the beginning of last season, but could demand double that amount if they do stay in the top flight.
The French international has already attracted interest from Manchester United in the past, but still has three years left to run on his current contract in East London.
Should the Hammers hang on to Diop this summer?
It goes without saying, but if the option to keep the player is there, then it’s an absolute no brainier.
Of course, the whole footballing world is on hold at the moment, and there are still a lot of questions to be answered on which division the Hammers will be playing in next term, but if they are in the top flight, they have to keep Diop.
So far this term he has averaged 6.75 interceptions and 4.03 clearances per games, as per Wyscout, as well as winning 63.8% of his defensive duels.
Those are very solid numbers, especially bearing in mind how poor the Hammers’ overarching form has been this term.
Factor in Diop’s mammoth potential, and it’s clear that he is an asset that must be locked down.
In other West Ham news, Report – Hammers fail with £22.2m bid for La Liga star.