Arsenal are still seriously interested in Abdou Diallo, and it’s ‘highly probable’ Arsenal make a concrete move for the player in the coming weeks, according to reports in France.
2Kalidou Koulibaly
- Age: 26
- Current club: Napoli
- Contract until: 2021
- Market value: £45m
According to reports earlier this year, Arsenal sent scouts to watch Koulibaly as Napoli played RB Leipzig in the Europa League. The defender apparently “continues to like the English club a lot”.
The club also reportedly showed an interest last summer, making an enquiry for his services. Ultimately that led to nothing as Arsenal didn’t make any further signings until January.
Koulibaly’s strengths are his tackling and his passing, with over a 90% pass completion rate this season. Also, at 1.95m he provides a major physical presence in defence. That’s something which could be very helpful at Arsenal, especially now that Per Mertesacker’s playing days are done.
The biggest roadblock for Arsene Wenger if he wants to sign the Senegal international is the competition from elsewhere. Manchester United and Chelsea have both been following the defender for some time now.
Without Champions League football, we’ll have to wait and see if Arsenal can find a way to convince the defender to turn down those that have it.