Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have joined the race to sign impressive Ligue 1 defender Issa Diop and sent scouts to watch the player in action this weekend, France Football reports.

What's the word?

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur seem to both be content on improving their defensive ranks this summer with both North London sides sending scouts to watch Toulouse youngster Issa Diop in action this weekend, France Football reports.

20-year-old Diop impressed at the Parc des Princes on Sunday evening, as Toulouse left the French capital with a 0-0 draw- just days after Paris Saint-Germain had smashed four past Barcelona at the same venue in the Champions League.

The young centre-back has notched up 43 appearances for Toulouse since making the breakthrough in 2015 and now seems set for a move to a top-club, although any potential suitors will have to pay a high price as he's tied down to a contract until 2020.

Where's the best fit?

Tottenham Hotspur have looked to be at their best this season when playing with a three-man defence and there may just be an opening for Issa Diop to slot into the side alongside Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld, although that would mean decreased opportunities for both Eric Dier and Kevin Wimmer.

Across North London, Arsenal's first-choice defensive partnership seems sorted with Shkodran Mustafi and Laurent Koscielny but there is question marks regarding their depth, with Per Mertesacker struggling for fitness and not getting any younger, whilst Gabriel Paulista isn't regarded highly by many supporters.

The other alternative for Arsenal is young Rob Holding and they still have Calum Chambers on-loan at Middlesbrough, so it really is difficult to see where exactly Issa Diop can be utilised by either of the North London outfits.

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