Arsenal in pole position to land Dayot Upamecano

Arsenal are now leading the race to land in-demand defender, Dayot Upamecano.

DORTMUND, GERMANY - AUGUST 26: Dayot Upamecano of Leipzig and Thomas Delaney of Dortmund battle for the ball during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig at Signal Iduna Park on August 26, 2018 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)

Arsenal have been heavily linked with RB Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano and came close to signing the 21 year old French defender last year.

A report quoted from Tuttosport claims Arsenal have moved in front of AC Milan to now lead the chase to sign the defender.

Upamecano is currently playing for RB Leipzig in the German Bundesliga but has a release clause in his contract worth around £54m. However, recent reports from Germany and the club have claimed Leipzig may have to accept less than that figure or risk losing him for free next year as it appears he want to leave.

The 21 year old has made 33 appearances across all competitions this season and has been hailed as one Europe’s next best defenders.

Arsenal have simply got to address their defensive issues with someone who is going to perform well and be there for a long time.

Leipzig’s Upamecano in action

In Upamecano they could get that exact player. He certainly appears to have all the qualities needed to succeed and should Arsenal sign him he could form a formidable partnership with fellow French defender William Saliba who is set to join Arsenal in July.

Arsenal reportedly have assurances from Nagelsmann the RB Leipzig head coach that he will be allowed to join them.

Mikel Arteta will be hoping he is financially supported in his pursuit of the player.