Arsenal targeted a move for West Ham United star Issa Diop earlier in this summer's transfer window, according to Foot Mercato (via Hammers News).

The North London giants were quoted a priced reported to be £59.3m when making an enquiry.

Foot Mercato (via Hammers News) are reporting that Arsenal were very impressed by Diop last season, hence their enquiry.

The Gunners weren't the only club interested in a move for the centre-back with Premier League rivals Manchester United also said to have been interested earlier in the window.

Links with Diop could be due to Arsenal's bad defensive record last season, as the Gunners conceded a mammoth 71 goals in all competitions. However, Diop is not the only centre-back Unai Emery's side have been linked with this summer.

Arsenal have also been linked with moves for Benfica's Ruben Dias, and Juventus centre-back Daniele Rugani (as per Gazzetta dello Sport, via Sportsmole) for whom they are reported to have made a two-year loan bid.

Diop enjoyed a good debut season in the Premier League, outclassing Shkodran Mustafi, who has been linked with a move away from the Emirates this summer. According to WhoScored.com, the 22-year-old beats Mustafi in every defensive statistic bar clearances and the number of times dribbled past per game.

It's clear to see that Diop is by far the better defender when compared to Mustafi, whom Emery reportedly wants to get rid of this summer. His statistics outweighs that of the Germany international, and at just £59.3m would seem a bargain, when compared to someone like Harry Maguire for whom Leicester City want a world record £85m.

In recent days it has emerged that Arsenal are expecting players to leave the club, with BBC's David Ornstein reporting that the north London club are in talks with a number clubs over the exit of Mustafi, so there could be money to spend even after the £72m capture of Nicolas Pepe.

Arsenal fans, is Diop the defensive signing Emery needs this summer? Comment below!