Getafe defender Djene Dakonam has drawn the attention of Arsenal manager Unai Emery, who is desperate to shore up his side’s defence this summer.
Arsenal have their sights firmly fixed on Djene, and will have to compete with Everton for the centre-back’s signature as per Spanish outlet Marca.
Djene impressed for Getafe as they finished fifth and conceded merely 35 goals in La Liga this past season.
The Togo international is not expected to be available for cheap as the report states that Getafe might not accept anything below €35 million to let him leave.
Djene Dakonam: Profile
Born in Dapaong, Togo, Djene had a trial at RC Lens back in 2013 and then went on to secure a move to Europe in the following year as he signed for Spanish Segunda Division side AD Alcorcon.
After establishing himself there, he moved to Belgian side Sint-Truidense in the summer of 2016.
A year later, he came back to Spain, following his move to Getafe, and has been a standout player for them ever since.
Djene mustered 34 appearances in Spanish top flight last season, and managed to make 1.6 tackles, 2.2 interceptions and 4.4 clearances per game on an average.
Why Arsenal must sign Dakonam
Laurent Koscielny is now a shadow of his former self, while Shkodran Mustafi’s repeated blunders cost the north London based outfit considerably last season.
Signing a quality centre-back this summer is imperative for Arsenal as they need to improve at the back if they are to push on next season and challenge the top four or possibly even for the domestic cups.
Djene is a decisive tackler and is an excellent reader of the game, which is why his interceptions and clearance stats are more than his tackling numbers.
The 27-year old has an imposing physique, and the Gunners need someone as reliable as him at the back. He is an experienced player with his peak years lying ahead of him, and would be a long-term investment for Arsenal.
Djene also possesses the versatility to feature as a central defensive midfielder as well as a right-back, and that could come in handy for a club like Arsenal who, over the years, have had some awful luck with injuries.