Arsenal are one of several clubs watching Toulouse centre back Issa Diop, according to reports.

Diop, a 21-year-old centre-back, who came through Toulouse’s academy, is being tracked by some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have identified him as a potential target for the future, while Arsenal and Tottenham have “taken the step forward” of dealing with Toulouse.

Arsenal have been keeping an eye on a few young defenders around Europe, including Mainz’s Abdou Diallo and Stuttgart’s Benjamin Pavard.

If their interest in Diop is anything to go by, it seems the club is returning to its roots, so to speak, by targeting young French players again.

The defence does need strengthening and a promising young player who could take over from the ageing Laurent Koscielny and retiring Per Mertesacker could be ideal.

Diop is having a strong season in Ligue 1.

He’s appeared 21 times, and has captained his team.

He was also a member of the France u20 squad at the World Cup in South Korea last summer.

Arsenal could face stiff competition for him, but he seems to be a highly promising player worth looking out for.