With Arsenal without a game over the weekend, Gunners boss Unai Emery took himself back to former club Valencia.
Emery coached Los Che for four years between 2008 and 2012. And he was back at his old stomping ground on Saturday to see his former club in action against surprise package Getafe.
The Madrid based club has enjoyed a stellar campaign and, miraculously, find themselves in Champions League contention.
In Valencia, they held their more illustrious hosts to a goalless draw on Sunday, keeping them fourth and two points clear of fifth place.
Much of the success of Jose Bordalas’ side has been underpinned by their defence, which has conceded just 24 times in La Liga so far this term.
To put that into context, only Atletico Madrid and Valencia have conceded less.
According to AS in Spain, Emery’s visit wasn’t merely to check up on his old club potential Europa League opponents for this current club.Instead, Emery was keeping tabs on a member of the Getafe back line.
A key man in defence for the relative minnows this season has been Togo international Djene Dakonam.
Signed by Getafe in 2017 from Belgian side Sint-Truidense for just over £2million, Djene has impressed in the two seasons since.
Such has been his growth this term, he has captained the side on occasions and now Getafe are pointing interested clubs towards his €35million release clause.
Getafe president Angel Torres was reportedly contacted by Arsenal about the player last summer.
It appears that interest, at a time when they are looking to strengthen and continue rebuilding, remains.
Arsenal have conceded 39 times in the Premier League this term; only Manchester United in the top seven have conceded more.