Arsenal are scouting Abdou Diallo ahead of the January transfer window, and want two centre-backs in the next two windows.

The Mirror claim the Gunners plan to buy one defender in January, and one in the summer.

Diallo is high on their list of transfer priorities, according to the report.

The 21-year-old joined Mainz from Monaco in July, for around €5m.

With 17 appearances, the 6’2″ defender is already a regular, and he’s even scored three goals for his new club.

Diallo has played so well that Kicker have consistently named him in their team-of-the-week (via BleacherReport):

https://twitter.com/Mainz05en/status/932945888317722625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fbleacherreport.com%2Farticles%2F2750409-arsenal-reportedly-scout-abdou-diallo-ahead-of-january-transfer-window

The Gunners have some centre-back issues at the moment, which could explain the rumours.

Per Mertesacker is retiring to take over the academy at the end of the season, and isn’t playing much right now.

Shkodran Mustafi asked to leave over the summer.

Mathieu Debuchy also says he wants to go in January, since he wants a new challenge.

Nacho Monreal is injured, and Laurent Koscielny’s Achilles is always a concern.

However, Arsenal have a few young centre-backs already.

Krystian Bielik is progressing well with the academy, despite his current injury problems.

Meanwhile, Rob Holding and Calum Chambers are just waiting for a chance. Both players have some solid cup and European performances under their belts this season.

Nonetheless, it’s still plausible that Arsenal would look for at least one new defender, considering the potential departures.

Then again, I would’ve said the same thing in the summer.