|
Fulham’s French defender Alain Goma has told the club that they must do everything to hold on to in-demand midfielder Papa Bouba Diop.
Manchester United and Arsenal are both keen to beef up their midfields by signing the former Lens star during the January transfer window, but Goma is urging Fulham not to sell.
"There have been lots of rumours about some of our players leaving. For us to build strongly it's important to keep our key players," said the former Auxerre stopper.
"It's important for the club and the rest of the team. Diop is as good as people say and shows this every week. It wouldn't surprise me if he has many clubs after him.
"He has incredible potential, is such a strong player, holds, defends, is good in the air and scores goals."
Fulham boss Chris Coleman recently described Diop, 27, as the complete midfielder, comparing the Senegalese international to France and Juventus ace Patrick Vieira.
Goma will play a key part in the Fulham defence during the Boxing Day clash with Chelsea and the the 33-year-old says the Cottagers are desperate to register a rare victory over their West London rivals.
"This is the big one and will be a very tough match. Chelsea are our neighbours so all our fans are waiting for us to beat them," he said.
"We'll go into the match with extreme motivation because Chelsea are the champions. They've been doing very well again this season and that motivates us as well.
"We've been approaching this like any other game but we need to give a bit extra if we are to win.
"The problem with Chelsea is you can't predict what they're going to do because any of their players can score.
"You can't afford to concentrate on one or two players. They're sharp, experienced and don't concede very often.
"We haven't been very good away because we conceded lots of goals late on. That's down to a lack of concentration.
"At home our form has been very good but away we need to pick up more points - starting with Chelsea."
|
