The answer to defensive problems? What can West Ham fans expect from their £21.9m potential new arrival

According to a report by Sky Sports, West Ham United are edging closer to a move for Toulouse’s Issa Diop this summer. The report further states that the player will undergo a medical ahead of finalising the £21.9m deal.

Diop is a central defender by trade. He played a crucial role for the French club as they avoided relegation last season and it goes without saying that he would be a great purchase for the Hammers.

With new manager Manuel Pellegrini in charge, West Ham are expected to fare well in the seasons to come. After all, he has won trophies with a club such as Manchester City in the past and he would go a long way in rectifying the London Stadium outfit’s problems.

The defence was a key area of concern over the course of the previous campaign as the Hammers conceded a whopping 68 goals in the Premier League, the joint-worst in the division along with Stoke City.

The Potters ultimately suffered relegation but West Ham were lucky enough to avoid the drop. However, going forward, it is of utmost importance for them to sign a player of Diop’s calibre.

The 21-year-old is particularly skilled at recognising threats and he is usually the first one to prevent opponent attackers from breaching his side’s defence. However, the player needs to work on his passing range and he must retain his focus to avoid losing possession from time to time.

That said, he has age on his side and his skills would help tighten the West Ham backline in the seasons to come. Furthermore, his aggressive style of defending should help him keep up with the demands and rigours of the Premier League.

Diop would not only help to solve the club’s immediate problems but he would also prove to be a viable long-term solution. Alongside Angelo Ogbonna, Diop should be able to justify his price tag.

The youngster is known to be extremely proactive and he never shies from taking on his opponents. In fact, he thrives in one-on-one situations and his height often proves to be a useful tool during aerial encounters. Blessed with physical strength and mental resilience, it seems Diop has all the qualities required to succeed in the Premier League.

However, he is far from being a finished product and it will be interesting to see what the future has in store for him if he joins West Ham.