Dani Vivian has been attracting interest from a number of clubs because of his performances and also because of the fact that his contract with Athletic Bilbao expires in 2023.
Follow Us
According to a report from Spanish publication Fichajes, Premier League clubs Arsenal and West Ham United are keeping an eye on Athletic Bilbao defender Dani Vivian after his promising start to the season. The 22-year-old Spanish central defender has been attracting interest from a number of clubs because of his performances and also because his contract with the La Liga club expires in 2023. Meanwhile Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta has been trying to build a team for the future and Vivian looks like a suitable addition to the London club.
Dani Vivian started at the academy of Santutxu and spent a season at CD Basconia before joining Athletic Bilbao in 2017. He spent the first three seasons with the club’s B team before moving away on loan to the second division side CD Mirandes for the 2020-21 season and played 32 times for them.
After returning to Athletco Bilbao for the 2021-22 season, because of injuries to senior defenders the youngster was given a chance in the senior side by head coach Marcelino and he has made the most of his opportunities. He has scored one goal and impressed everyone with his strong aerial ability and tendency to not get dribbled past. He has been dribbled past only once in seven games so far this season and based on statistics Vivian has emerged as one of the best defenders in La Liga.Â
The two Premier League clubs are doing their research on Vivian and could make a move this January. Arsenal strengthened their defence this summer by bringing in Ben White, who after a mediocre start to the season is starting to grow in stature alongside Gabriel Magalhaes. However, with Calum Chambers injury prone and Rob Holding not finding favour with Arteta it would be highly likely for them to bring in a new defender. After releasing David Luiz, Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis Papastathopoulos in the winter they certainly do need a bit more depth in the defence. And moreover, his release clause of 40 million Euros is a fairly affordable price for the north London side.
William Saliba is a promising homegrown defender Arteta would be keeping a close watch on. The 20-year-old is currently on loan at French club Marseille and is yet to make his Arsenal debut. According to reports coming in, Arsenal management are willing to reintegrate him after completion of his loan spell at Marseille.Â
Meanwhile West Ham are also looking to bolster their defence. Angelo Ogbonna is not getting any younger at 33 and Craig Dawson is 31, therefore David Moyes might be looking to add some young legs in the defence alongside Kourt Zouma who joined from Chelsea this summer.
Arsenal and West Ham have already conceded 10 goals in the league so far in seven matches and to shore things up at the back they might be looking at new additions. As of now both teams are monitoring the youngsters progress and if it’s positive they may formalise their interest in the future.
