Diop on Art radar
ARSENAL are plotting a move for West Ham’s Issa Diop as boss Mikel Arteta sets about ironing out their defensive deficiencies.
Despite the Hammers’ struggles, centre-back Diop has impressed since arriving from Toulouse in the summer of 2018.
And Arteta believes the Frenchman, 23, could help solve a problem that his club has had for years.
Diop (right) has already attracted interest from Manchester United but West Ham co-owner David Sullivan issued a strong hands-off warning.
However, Arsenal are ready to test the Hammers’ resolve once more and there is a belief that if David Moyes’ men fail to beat the drop that they could get the player on the cheap. built an unassailable 25-point advantage. But the second they become champions will trigger an explosion of joy for the £75million Dutchman.
He said: “Will it be an anti-climax? What do you think? No! We should enjoy it even more because of the wait.
“To win the league here is something that we can all be remembered for and will be remembered for.”
Before the coronavirus shutdown, Liverpool needed two more wins to clinch their first title for
30 years. If the Premier League returns after April
3, Liverpool’s next match is scheduled to be at closest rivals Manchester City on April 5, which means the Reds can clinch the title that day. They can also still eclipse City’s 100-point Premier League record set in 2018.
But Van Dijk added: “We don’t play for records, we play for trophies. I was very close to the Premier League title last year and now very close to the Premier League this year.
“That is something the club is waiting for and is dreaming of.
“So let’s just go for it and see what happens in the next weeks and months and be positive.”
It is unclear when Liverpool will be crowned champions but when it happens Van Dijk knows who he will dedicate it to.
“My wife and kids,” he said. “They sacrifice so much day in and day out. What they do for me and our life is incredible.
“They are a very big part of my success and I remind them every day of that.”
Mane still has three years on his contract at Anfield and it would take a whopping offer for Liverpool to even contemplate selling him.
But there is a belief in Madrid that a fee in the region of £130million to £140m would give them plenty to consider.