Arsenal need to bolster a fragile defence this summer.
According to a report in the Spanish newspaper AS, Arsenal are looking at signing Getafe defender Djene Dakonam this summer with the defender having a £30 million buyout clause.
The Gunners struggled badly at the back during Arsene Wenger’s final season in charge, and it was a major weakness which ultimately saw the club miss out on a top four spot in the Premier League.
Newly-appointed manager Unai Emery has a big task on his hands in rejuvenating the squad, and his first two priorities should be a strong and mobile holding midfielder and a younger, dominant centre-back.
Dakonam has only been at Getafe for a season, but his impressive performances haven’t gone unnoticed as he played a key role in a side which boasted one of the best defensive records in La Liga.
The 26-year-old made 36 starts in the league and topped the club’s average rating charts, posting an impressive 2.2 interceptions, 2.4 tackles and 5.2 effective clearances per league encounter (Whoscored).
Getafe’s 33 league goals conceded was only bettered by Atletico Madrid and Barcelona as they conceded 11 goals less than Champions League winners Real Madrid.
Dakonam is a big, strong defender boasting plenty of pace and mobility, and he’s the sort of defender Arsenal fans have desperately craved since the days of Sol Campbell and Ivory Coast legend Kolo Toure.
At 26, he has the best part of six years at the top level ahead of him therefore he represents a potential bargain in today’s market.
He could play a pivotal role in Emery’s Arsenal revolution should he move to the Emirates Stadium, and he’s the sort of signing which could help the Spaniard immediately warm to the club’s supporters.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
