Mainz have told Arsenal not to try bidding for defender Abdou Diallo in the January transfer window.
The Mirror reported earlier this week that the Gunners wanted to sign the France Under 21 captain, but speaking to German tabloid Bild, the German club’s sporting director Rouven Schroder issued a hands off warning:
“Abdou is not for sale.”
The club’s head coach Sandro Schwarz was equally unequivocal about Diallo when interviewed yesterday:
“I’m really not thinking about this topic, I’m not afraid that Abdou will leave us again!”
Arsenal head scout Sven Mislintat is reportedly a huge fan of Diallo’s, but so far the Gunners have not made a formal bid for the centre back.
West Bromwich Albion captain Jonny Evans looks to be a likelier signing for the London club this month. The 30 year old has just 18 months left on his contract at the Hawthorns and turned down a new deal in December.
Manchester City are unlikely to rival Arsenal for Evans’ signature with the Premier League leaders closing in on signing Aymeric Laporte from Athletic Bilbao.
