Fulham make ‘offers’ for defensive targets

Fulham have ‘offers on the table’ for four central defenders, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

The lowdown: Fulham’s summer so far

Since earning promotion back to the Premier League as Championship winners, Fulham have already signed Joao Palhinha, Andreas Pereira, Kevin Mbabu and Manor Solomon.

The Cottagers have spent £31.5m all told whilst also recouping funds from the sales of Andre Zambo Anguissa to Napoli and Fabio Carvalho to Liverpool as Marco Silva attempts to ensure top-flight safety for the west London club.

Despite the hive of activity at SW6, the centre-back department remains in need of reinforcements, and one reputable source has now shed some light on the possibility of further incomings…

The latest: Offers ‘on the table’

Taking to Twitter, Sheth has claimed that Fulham have ongoing bids to sign as many as four centre-backs, including West Ham United ace Issa Diop and Chelsea youngster Malang Sarr, along with Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

The Sky Sports reporter stated: “Fulham have offers on the table for FOUR central defenders – including West Ham United’s Issa Diop & Chelsea’s Malang Sarr. Fulham increasingly hopeful of completing a deal for Arsenal keeper Bernd Leno before start of the season. #IssaDiop #MalangSarr #Leno #FFC #SSN”

The verdict: Fingers crossed

Signing a centre-back before the September 1st deadline is imperative if Silva is to stand the best possible chance of keeping the Cottagers in the Premier League.

As things stand, Tosin Adarabioyo, Terence Kongolo and a 34-year-old Tim Ream make up the only natural central defensive options at the Portuguese coach’s disposal, a worrying lack of depth heading into the new campaign.

Fulham conceded 53 goals during their last Premier League campaign in 2020/21, an issue which could go someway to being addressed by the seemingly imminent capture of Leno from Arsenal.

In addition to the German ‘keeper, the admiration of Diop – who was dubbed a ‘monster’ by Jose Mourinho in 2018 – is nothing new. The Frenchman has been on the radar at Fulham for a prolonged period and after two previously rejected bids, so there will be hope that a transfer can finally be completed to bring him across London.

The 25-year-old made 24 appearances across all competitions for West Ham last term, earning a 6.69 Sofascore rating whilst winning 2.4 duels, making 3.2 clearances and completing 31.2 passes per game.

Earning a reported £67,000 per week (Spotrac), Diop would be an expensive capture for Fulham all told, but one which could be wholly necessary.