Unai Emery beforehand had gone venturing out to Spain to scout him – this was when he was the Gunners boss.
Arsenal is not the only club after him – with Everton , Crystal Palace and Bournemouth also following the lead. Arsenal had to meet the asking price of £22million for Dakonam.
John Stones was earlier seen as a potential signing by Arsenal, but later Arsenal decided to drop him.
“John is a player that I really like and I followed. We signed him when I was at Manchester City and I worked with him for many years and know him well.
“When I look at centre-backs he has many attributes that I like from one, but we’re not interested.
“We have a lot of injuries at the back. The fact as well that Calum got the big injury. Obviously that is modifying our plans.