Unai Emery took advantage of Arsenal’s weekend off by travelling to Spain to take a look at Getafe centre-back Djene Dakonam. Dakonam has 39 caps for Togo.
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Arsenal manager Unai Emery reportedly made the trip to Spain this weekend to watch Getafe defender Djene Dakonam in action in La Liga ahead of a potential transfer this summer [AS] 🥈 pic.twitter.com/TFB59hUiea
— afcSource™ (@afcSource) March 18, 2019
Dakonam arrived at Getafe in 2017 from Belgian side Sint-Truiden and has been a mainstay in the first XI ever since, making 36 La Liga starts last season and 26 so far this campaign. Djene has been excellent in defence this term for Getafe, who have conceded just 24 goals in 28 League games.
Getafe are enjoying a superb season, currently sitting fourth in La Liga after their most recent point away to Valencia. Dakonam played full 90 minutes in that 0-0 draw. And it would be fair to say that, Emery would surely be impressed by the 27 year-old’s display at the heart of Getafe’s defence.
Such has been Djene’s impressive displays that the centre-back has also been linked with a switch to Barcelona. So, Emery would have to be quick in getting on with the proceedings of signing the defender, who would definitely find it difficult to say no to the Spanish Champions and five-time UCL Champions.
Arsenal reportedly inquired over the services of the Togo international last summer and were told they would need to meet his release clause of €35m (£30m). Dakonam is still under contract until 2021, so Getafe may well stick to that asking price, being under no pressure to let him go. Spanish publication AS report that Emery remains impressed with the 27-year-old and will most likely try and strike a deal at the end of the season.
Unai Emery was in Valencia this weekend to watch Getafe defender Djene Dakonam in action ahead of a potential transfer this summer [AS] pic.twitter.com/EpvByPQT0j
— AFTV (@AFTVMedia) March 18, 2019
With Arsenal yet to spend lavishly since Emery arrived to replace Arsene Wenger, there are expectations this summer could see the club back their manager in the transfer market. And who would be better than the Togolese, who has been at the heart of Jose Bordalas’ side’s remarkable challenge for Champions League qualification.
However, Dakonam is not the best player in terms of discipline having picked up nine yellow cards and one red card this season. But still Dakonam is the kind of player who would bolster any squad with his aggressive defensive displays. Arsenal and Unai Emery will surely benefit from this signing if Dakonam agrees to sign with them.
Ohh. Djene Dakonam. If reports of Unai scouting him personally are true, I can see why. Looks like a Koscielny replacement in many ways long term, and can be deputy as a right back as well the first year or two. https://t.co/RzVpqVFyFX @clivepafc
— non (@KnightlyTim) March 18, 2019
Arsenal travel to Dubai this week to play a friendly match with Al-Nasr Dubai SC and then they face Newcastle United in the Premier League after the International break ends.
