Arsenal need to strengthen their defence to move forward next season, and Unai Emery has set his sights on RB Leipzig’s highly-rated central defender Dayot Upamecano as per reports.
It has been reported by the Mirror that Arsenal had sent their scouts to keep an eye on Upamecano on Monday when he featured for France’s Under-21 side in their 3-0 win against Belgium in Le Mans.
Emery was keen to lure Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti to the Emirates Stadium this summer, but reportedly, the player is keen to stay at Camp Nou and see out the remaining four years on his contract with the Spanish champions.
Stephan Lichtsteiner will leave Arsenal after his contract expires, and Shkodran Mustafi’s inconsistency at the back means that the Gunners have to make at least a couple of quality additions to bring in more steel into their defence.
Upamecano still has two years left on his current contract with RB Leipzig, and the German Bundesliga outfit will not let him leave for cheap.
Upamecano started his youth career in France and played for the senior sides of Liefering and Red Bull Salzburg before putting his pen on a four-and-a-half year contract with Leipzig in the January transfer window of 2017.
Plying his trade as a central defender, the 20-year-old managed 15 appearances in the German top flight, and mustered 1.5 tackles, 2.2 interceptions and 2.9 clearances per game on an average this past season.
Besides, he has also represented the various youth sides of France and has a bright future lying ahead of him. With Umtiti reluctant to leave Barcelona, he could be a more viable and cheaper option for Arsenal.
Upamecano is a powerful player and has the physicality that would hold him in good stead if he moves to the Premier League. He has a good pace as well, and rarely do you see attackers get past him on a foot race.
Although he is still in his learning years, he has a good skill set as his tackling and interception numbers indicate. Upamecano might be the perfect player to have alongside Sokratis in the Arsenal backline, as he is more aggressive and has the pace for Emery to deploy a higher line.
Upamecano makes quick decisive conclusions regarding tackles and loves to get forward with the ball at his feet.
Although he is not accustomed to English football, he has the ingredients to excel in the Premier League and could be the player Arsenal need.
Statistics Credits: Whoscored
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