Arsenal and West Ham United are reportedly keeping tabs on the development of 22-year-old Athletic Bilbao defender Dani Vivian, along with Wolves.
According to a report from Spanish publication Fichajes, Arsenal and West Ham United are closely monitoring the progress of Athletic Bilbao defender Dani Vivian after his promising start to the new season.
Vivian started out at the academy of Santutxu and spent a season at CD Basconia, before signing for Athletic Bilbao in 2017. After spending the first three years of his stint with the club’s B team, the 22-year-old centre-back spent the last season away on loan with lower league outfit CD Mirandes.
Back at Athletic, injuries to senior defenders saw Vivian be given a chance in the side by manager Marcelino and he has made the most of his opportunities. Indeed, in his seven La Liga appearances, the 22-year-old Spaniard has scored one goal, while impressing with his physicality and aerial ability at the back.
In addition, Vivian has been dribbled past just once in seven games so far, while averaging six ball recoveries per game. Based on the statistics, the Spanish centre-back has emerged as one of the best in La Liga. This has now put him on the radars of several Premier League clubs including Arsenal and West Ham United.
Arsenal strengthened their defence this summer with the signing of Ben White, who, after a stuttering start, is starting to grow in stature, alongside Gabriel Magalhaes. But with Rob Holding not finding favour under Mikel Arteta and Calum Chambers’ sketchy record with injuries, it would make sense for the Gunners to bring in a new defender.
Vivian, at 22, fits the age profile of players that Arteta is looking to build his Arsenal team around. And with a release clause of €40 million, he would be very much in the affordable price range for the north London giants. However, they will need to potentially face competition from fellow London club, West Ham United.
Like Arsenal, the Hammers to bolstered their defence with Kurt Zouma’s signing from Chelsea. But with Angelo Ogbonna not getting any younger and Craig Dawson also in his thirties, it wouldn’t be the worst idea for David Moyes & co. to look to add another young centre-half to their ranks, making Vivian a viable option to consider.
Apart from Arsenal and West Ham, Wolves are also looking at the 22-year-old defender. It remains to be seen if any of the clubs to decide to formalise their interest in Vivian in the future. For now, they are keeping tabs on the Athletic Bilbao defender.
