Arsenal dodged a bullet walking away from £65m defensive reinforcement - opinion

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

According to Foot Mercato, Arsenal were put off from making a move for West Ham centre-back Issa Diop, after discovering the Hammers’ reported £65m valuation.

What’s the word?

Unai Emery’s side conceded 51 goals in the Premier League last season, giving them the second-worst defensive record in the top six. The Gunners have also been rocked by the actions of club captain Laurent Koscielny, whilst the future of fellow centre-back Shkodran M...