The Daily Mirror will like us to believe that Arsenal's manager Arsene Wenger, is set to boost his defensive options with the signing of Senegal defender Pape Diakhate.
The report I believe surfaced because of this Wenger quotes. The manager said it might not be easy finding a defender of Vermaelen's class and quality in the saturated transfer market: "It's not anymore as it was 15 or 20 years ago. It is more about shrewd buying now in taking a gamble than in discovering somebody."
Diakhate is tipped by the report to complement Vermaelen's effort in the heart of the Arsenal defense next season. The 25-year-old Senegal international has being on loan at Saint Etienne since the January transfer window, and at 6.0 ft, he can also play left back or in defensive midfield and his ability to speak English will be a plus for Premier League clubs interested in his services.
The Daily Mirror termed him as an "aggressive, strong, fast and technical centre back." But his susceptibility to pressure really turned me off.
If we are gunner sign a player that isn't good enough to play for his parent club, then I propose we stick to our guns and renew the contracts of Mikael Sylvestre and Philippe Senderos.
I know it's a rumour, but imagine a scenario where Arsene buys a defender for £10m who cannot mark properly and struggles sometimes in the air - I pity Fabianski and Almunia.
Although, his arrival (for what?) from Dynamo Kiev could signal the start of a mini-spending spree during which the manager will attempt to snap another player (preferably a goalie).
Kjaer, Gary Cahill and Fulham's Brede Hangeland are way ahead of the Verminator's assumed partner.
