Mainz defender Abdou Diallo has chosen to join Borussia Dortmund this summer, despite interest from Arsenal and Lyon, deciding he’d prefer to stay in the Bundesliga.

France Football write that Diallo has made up his mind on his new club, after ‘a long and complicated reflection’. The player even met with the coach at Lyon, but eventually decided to join Dortmund, as he wishes to keep his career going in Germany, where he’s already feeling good.

According to the report, Diallo will cost Dortmund €30m, and he’ll sign a five-year deal with his new club.

Although Arsenal’s interest in the player didn’t go as far as Dortmund’s, or Lyon’s, they were apparently in for Diallo at some stage. Sven Mislintat is reportedly a long-term admirer of the 22-year-old, and in January he reportedly recommended the club sign him.

Get French Football News reported late last month that it was ‘highly probable’ Arsenal would make a concrete move for the player in the near future. Reports suggested Mainz told the Gunners the defender would cost around £26m, which now appears to be accurate.

Diallo made 30 appearances for Mainz in his debut season with the club. He performed well and didn’t struggle for opportunities, so it’s surprising to see him move on so soon. For Arsenal, though, it’s time to move on to other targets.