Arsenal are reportedly among three Premier League clubs keeping tabs on QPR goalkeeper Seny Dieng, who has impressed in the EFL Championship.
According to a report from The Sun, Premier League heavyweights Arsenal are keeping track of the progress of 26-year-old shot-stopper Seny Dieng, who plies his trade for EFL Championship outfit QPR.
Dieng started out at the academy of FC Red Star Zurich and spent time with the Grasshoppers youth setup before signing for FC Grenchen. The goalkeeper left Switzerland to move to Germany, signing for MSV Duisburg in February 2016, but was snapped up by QPR later in the summer the same year.
Dieng had to bide his time for a regular run with the first-team at Loftus Road. He has had loan stints away at Whitehawk, Stevenage, Dundee FC and Doncaster Rovers. The Swiss ace, who is also eligible to represent Senegal at the international level, got his breakthrough with QPR this season and has not looked back.
So far, the 26-year-old has featured in 20 of QPR’s 22 Championship matches this term, keeping four clean sheets and letting in 27 goals. And while the numbers might not be all that impressive, Dieng has still managed to catch the eye a number of Premier League clubs, including Arsenal.
Having let go of Emiliano Martinez in the summer transfer window, Arsenal brought in Runar Alex Runarsson in order to provide cover for first-choice goalkeeper Bernd Leno. However, the Icelandic international has flattered to deceive in his short spell in London.
In five appearances this term, the 25-year-old has shipped in seven goals, with his errors costing Arsenal in a big way in the 4-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester City in the Carabao Cup quarter-final last month. As a result, the Gunners are looking to bring in reinforcements this month, with Dieng emerging as a target for them.
However, Arsenal are going to have to face stern competition from fellow London outfit Crystal Palace, who are keen on strengthening their goalkeeping department, as second-choice goalkeeper Jack Butland has not been able to make the desired impact since coming in this past summer.
In addition, Leeds United are also looking at Dieng to bolster their options at the back, considering that Illan Meslier has blown hot and cold this term and looked out of his depth on occasions in the Premier League.
Dieng signed a new contract with QPR last September, extending his stay at the club till 2024. While it makes sense that Arsenal are looking to improve their options in goal, Mikel Arteta has more pressing concerns that need to be addressed in the January transfer window. So, it does seem a tad unlikely that a move for Dieng will materialise this month.