Arsenal are ready to launch a bid for West Ham United defender Issa Diop.

The Mirror says despite the Hammers' struggles, centre-back Diop has impressed since arriving from Toulouse in the summer of 2018.

And as Arteta heads towards his first transfer window as Gunners boss, he believes the Frenchman could help solve a problem that his club has had for years.

Diop has already attracted interest from Manchester United during his time in England but West Ham co-owner David Sullivan issued a strong hands-off warning to Old Trafford bosses.

However, Arsenal are ready to test the Eastenders' resolve and there is a belief that if David Moyes's men fail to beat the drop that they could get the player on the cheap with him likely to seek a move away from the London Stadium.

Diop, 23, still has three years to run on his contract at West Ham from June.