West Ham, Arsenal, Wolves compile info on statistically impressive defender

Dani Vivian defending against Angel Correa

West Ham, Arsenal and Wolves are all showing an interest in Dani Vivian as he undergoes a rise to prominence with Athletic Bilbao, according to reports in Spain.

A centre-back, Vivian has returned to Athletic for this season after spending last term on loan at Mirandes in the Segunda Division. He has started seven of their eight La Liga games so far and even has one goal to his name already.

The 22-year-old has thus been attracting a number of clubs who will be keeping an eye on how he develops. With a contract expiring in 2023, some could be willing to take him next year if they feel his progress has been positive.

According to Fichajes, he already has three admirers in the Premier League, in the shape of West Ham, Arsenal and Wolves.

Vivian, who has a release clause worth €40m, has been impressing statistically. His strong points include his aerial ability and tendency to not get dribbled past.

Representatives of the three English clubs have been doing their research and are aware of his potential. Therefore, they could consider making a move for him in the new year.

All three signed centre-backs in the summer transfer window. West Ham brought in Kurt Zouma, Arsenal added Ben White and Wolves acquired Yerson Mosquera.

However, they may consider extra depth still in an area they all clearly felt the need to strengthen. In Wolves’ case in particular, Mosquera has since suffered a serious injury.

Arsenal and West Ham, meanwhile, have both already conceded 10 goals in the Premier League after just seven games this season. To shore things up further, they may be keeping track of potential additions.

Dani Vivian celebrates scoring for Athletic Bilbao

Vivian is one to keep an eye on, then, although Fichajes predict the path to his signing will become more crowded if he continues his current form.

For now, though, it is Arsenal, West Ham and Wolves who will be pulling together reports on him.

Arsenal have defender plan

In their case, it is clear that Arsenal’s backline is undergoing a lengthy evolution.

They released David Luiz in the summer after also cutting ties with Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis Papastathopoulos in the winter.

Now they are in the process of building a stronger backline for the long-term future.

One man who may have been expecting to play a bigger part is William Saliba, who is still yet to make his debut despite being on the books since 2019.

He is currently out on loan at Marseille, the third such spell he has spent away from the Emirates Stadium.

But it has been revealed by one transfer expert that Arsenal have told Saliba they plan to reintegrate him when his loan spell ends at the conclusion of the current campaign.

Still, they may feel the need to cover the gap by making an additional winter signing to ensure strength in depth for the long-term future.

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