Arsenal have refocused their efforts on signing a centre back with Mainz defender Abdou Diallo now being considered alongside Jonny Evans as a January target, according to the Mirror.
The left sided centre half only made the move to Germany from Monaco for €5m in the summer, but he has already impressed Arsenal scouts with his performances in the Bundesliga.
Diallo is the captain of France’s Under 21 side, and is seen a real prospect for the future by Gunners head scout Sven Mislintat.
French TV station RMC Sport reported back in December that Mainz were not willing to sell the 21 year old after just six months, and that a summer bid would only be acceptable if a “substantial offer” was made.
Diallo would be a longer term investment if the Arsenal did decide to pursue the defender, while a move for West Brom defender Evans would be seen as a solution for the short to medium term. The Northern Irish international turned 30 earlier this month.
