According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal might be able to sign Dayot Upamecano next summer. The RB Leipzig defender will reportedly be available for just £53m due to his release clause which can be triggered at the end of the campaign (via the Daily Mail). The Gunners were interested in the services of Upamecano earlier this summer, but their bid was rejected by Leipzig. They are now ready to revive their interest as Unai Emery looks to add more quality in defence.
Upamecano’s spell at Leipzig
Upamecano initially joined RB Leipzig in January 2017 in a €10m move from RB Salzburg. He quickly became a first-team regular for the Bundesliga giants, replacing Stefan Ilsanker. And in the following campaign, the Frenchman enjoyed a breakthrough season, appearing in 28 league matches.
He built a strong partnership with Willi Orban at the heart of the Leipzig backline. Even though Die Roten Bullen endured a relatively mediocre season, finishing sixth in the table, Upamecano made quite a mark with his overall performance. He was one of the rising stars in the Bundesliga during the 2017/18 campaign.
Last season, however, Upamecano struggled with injuries and following the emergence of Ibrahima Konate, the 20-year-old’s importance in the first-team decreased drastically. At the same time, he will likely assume a key role under new coach Julian Nagelsmann, who has given him a start in the last two matches after the Frenchman returned from his injury problems earlier in the season.
Is Upamecano a good option for Arsenal?
Arsenal have struggled with their lack of defensive solidity this season despite a promising start to the campaign. Although they have done well in the cup games, they have often been poor in defence in the Premier League. The defensive duo of Sokratis and David Luiz have looked irresponsible for the most part.
Shkodran Mustafi and Rob Holding have done well and might push for a place in the starting lineup in the league matches soon. However, Arsenal need someone who can further improve the backline, and that’s where Upamecano could come into the fray.
A strong ball-playing centre-back, the Frenchman can not only provide more solidity at the back but can also enhance their build-up play – something that they have really struggled with this season.
Upamecano’s addition would most likely solve Arsenal’s defensive problems, especially with William Saliba also returning to the Emirates at the end of the campaign. However, the Gunners must get rid of some of their star players if they are to afford the Bundesliga sensation next summer.
