By Fab4.
Another day and another player linked with a move to Arsenal. This time it’s Senegal defender Pape Diakhate who is apparently on Arsene Wengers radar, according to reports. With Arsenal set for a defensive shake-up this summer, with Gallas, Senderos, Silvestre and Campbell all out of contract, the 25-year-old Diakhate has been shortlisted by Wenger as a possible replacement.
With a price tag of £10m, he is within Arsenal’s financial reach but has also attracted interest from Juventus, Chelsea, Liverpool and Bayrern Munich. The 6ft Dynamo Kiev stopper has been on loan at French side Saint Etienne since january and has impressed with his versatility as he can play at both left back and central defense as well as defensive midfield. Perhaps an important benefit to Arsene is that Diakhate also speaks English so would integrate well into the premier league.
Diakhate has been described as being an aggressive, strong, fast and technical centre back, but can have problems marking and struggles in the air. Sounds absolutely perfect for Arsenal then! We have enough players who are technically sound but can’t actually defend a set piece or be dominant in the air.
Arsenal have been linked with him a couple of times now and after watching him play against us at the Emirates in the champions league in 2008, i can’t say im too excited about this one. He didn’t come across as being the assured and dominant centre back Arsenal require. He reminded me of a poor mans Kolo Toure. Perhaps he has developed in the last couple of years and I haven’t seen him play much, but I would sooner see Arsenal follow up interest in Hangeland, Subotic or Zapata than sign Diakhate.
What do Arsenal fans make of Diakhate, would he be a decent signing? Please leave your comments below…
