According to an exclusive report by The Sun, Arsenal are said to be readying up a fresh £40m bid to try and lure RB Leipzig centre-half Dayot Upamecano to the Emirates Stadium. Although the Gunners failed with a bid for the youngster’s services in the summer, they are supposedly confident about getting their man this time around.
The 20-year-old is yet to extend his contract with the Bundesliga club, and with a little over 18 months remaining, this could be the right time for Arsenal to pounce. It has been suggested that Unai Emery has set his mind on the youngster, and with his contract ending at the end of next season, Leipzig could be tempted to sell.
What Dayot Upamcano Would Add To The Arsenal Side?
The French U21 international came through the Valencienne academy and has all the makings of a top defender. Despite his age, he is quite tall and can be a big physical presence in the defensive third. He can be deceptively quick and has the ability to pick out those long cross-field passes.
His heading ability is massively underplayed, as he can be a threat in the opposing third as well. His strength and fearlessness enable him to go into any challenge and come out unfazed. Although he could take time to adjust to the Premier League, he would undoubtedly be a long-term upgrade on the ageing David Luiz.
Can Dayot Upamecano Solve Arsenal’s Defensive Worries?
Arsenal’s defensive issues have undoubtedly, receded over the course of the campaign but there is always a fear that David Luiz is a ticking time-bomb, waiting to go off at the worst minute possible. Despite Sokratis’ leadership in the middle, their dependence on Luiz could come back to haunt them. Although the returns of Kieran Tierney and Hector Bellerin will come as good news, the need for reassurance in the middle remains.
Dayot Upamecano has the quality to come in, and singlehandedly stabilise the defensive situation at the Emirates Stadium. Alongside Sokratis, who has consistently been excellent for Arsenal, Upamecano could really prosper and develop into a top centre-half.
18-year-old William Saliba, who was signed in the summer and then shipped out, is also expected to return from his loan spell at St.Ettiene. With a strong defensive structure in place, Emery could go about dealing with the more glaring issues within the Arsenal side.
Will Arsenal Finally Be Able To Get Their Man?
Arsenal have been vying to bring to Frenchman to the Emirates for a while now, and it looks like that dream could be turning into reality sometime soon. In the current footballing environment, nothing is a given, but as things stand, Arsenal are in the driving seat on this regard. Unai Emery is attempting to implement his philosophy in West London, but before he can take on the offensive issues, he must solve the defensive ones. Upamecano looks like the ideal place to start.
