West Ham can make another Issa Diop-style signing in Konate

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West Ham United have been credited with an interest in RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate.

Sport Bild (via ESPN) have claimed that Arsenal are watching the 19-year-old, but the Gunners could face competition from the Hammers and Chelsea

Konate has been in impressive form for the Bundesliga outfit.

This term has been his true breakthrough and he’s made 21 appearances across all competitions so far.

He is already becoming an integral part of Leipzig’s defence, and it’s easy to understand the interest from other big clubs.

West Ham’s next Diop?

West Ham could make another Issa Diop-style signing by winning the race for Konate.

The talented teen, a French youth international just like Diop, appears to be quite similar to the West Ham man, who signed for the club last summer from Toulouse.

Standing at 6ft 4in, Konate is very imposing and is a dominant force in the air – as evidenced by his average of 3.3 aerials duals won per game (via WhoScored), which is actually higher than Diop’s (2.3).

He is a proactive defender who is fierce in the tackle, and a potential pairing of him and Diop could be frightening.

Diop has enjoyed a fine start to his Irons career and has been Manuel Pellegrini’s number one centre-back this term.

He appears to be tailor-made to the Premier League, meaning the similar Konate could also prove a hit.