According to The Sun, Arsenal are ready to challenge arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the pursuit of Djene Dakonam. The Getafe defender has once again emerged as a target for the Gunners, and he is valued around £22 million. However, these two clubs could face stiff competition from Everton, Bournemouth and Crystal Palace as well as AS Monaco.
Djene’s rise to prominence
Djene has been a part of the Getafe side since 2017 when he joined from Belgian outfit Sint-Truiden for a fee of €2.5 million. He has since become a vital part of the backline, notably featuring in 36 league games in his debut campaign in La Liga. He followed that up with 34 appearances in the 2018/19 season.
The Togolese defender has continued his progression this season as well, having already made 17 league appearances so far. His performances at the back have helped Getafe concede only 20 goals this season. Only Atletico Madrid, Athletic Bilbao, Real Madrid and Sevilla have let in fewer goals.
What can he bring to the table?
Djene has a host of skillset that makes him such a quality defender. His tall 187cm figure, for one, gives him a considerable advantage in aerial duels and makes him a threat from indirect set-pieces. He has notably won 2.2 headed duels per game in the La Liga this season. Also, Djene’s 3.1 clearances per match is indicative of his doggedness at the back.
However, it is the ability to play the ball out from the back that makes Djene a standout defender in the Getafe squad. Moreover, he has attained an excellent tackle success rate while he also has impressive anticipation – making him a well-rounded centre-back.
Should Arsenal make a move for Djene?
Djene should be a smart piece of investment for Arsenal for multiple reasons. Firstly, the Gunners are likely to operate with a slender budget due to their spending spree in the summer. With that in mind, the Getafe defender’s £22 million valuation makes him a cheaper alternative when compared to players like Merih Demiral and Nathan Ake.
But more importantly, Djene’s ability to play the ball out from the back should improve Arsenal’s build-up – something the current crop of defenders have struggled with this season. That means the Togolese international should combine well with the more robust nature of Sokratis and David Luiz.
And finally, the addition of Djene will offer Mikel Arteta with some much-needed depth in the defensive department, especially with Calum Chambers being ruled out with a long-term ACL injury. Therefore, the 28-year-old is indeed a viable target for the Gunners.
