Source: Telegraph
Arsenal target Modibo Diakite content at Lazio
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been on the look out for defensive cover and views Diakite as an exceptional talent. [LNB]The 21-year-old has impressed in Serie A and the youngster would fit in Wenger's philosophy of buying players with potential to grow into world class footballers. [LNB]Wenger has been watching Diakite for some time but has yet to make a formal offer, though the player's agent, Pino Letterio, has suggested Arsenal would be wasting their time if they did. [LNB]'He is not moving away from Rome,' said Letterio. 'Lazio is like his family and he has no intention to leave the capital. [LNB]'There is no possibility that Modibo will leave Lazio because he has just signed a five-year contract extension. [LNB]'Lazio does not want to see go a player they have helped develop leave.'[LNB]Meanwhile, the noises coming out of Andrei Arshavin's camp are of a much more positive nature, with the player himself recently suggesting Arsenal's style of play would suit him. [LNB]And now his agent has expressed optimism that a deal can be struck before the end of the month. [LNB]Arsenal and Zenit St Petersburg are still divided over their respective valuations for Arshavin, but Dennis Lachter thinks the two parties will eventually come together. [LNB]'It looks like nothing will happen this week,' said Lachter, 'but there may be some movement early next week.'[LNB]
