Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing RB Leipzig’s star defender Dayot Upamecano to help sort out their backline.
The French defender was one of the best performers for the German club this season, and helped the east German outfit to the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Following praise from Arsenal’s academy director and former player Per Mertesacker, the Gunners have once again been linked with a move to sign Upamecano.
The 21-year-old has a release clause of €50 million (h/t Transfermarkt) in his contract with Leipzig. But the Gunners have serious competition for the centre-back, with several clubs in Europe keeping an eye on him.
Upamecano’s current contract with RB Leipzig expires in 2023, as he signed an extension earlier this year.
Dayot Upamecano – The defensive solidity they need?
RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano is the next Frenchman touted to become a world-class player, and move to one of Europe’s elites clubs. The defender has been with the German club since 2017, and has been a key part of the team, racking up over 110 appearances in all competitions.
(Photo by DAVID RAMOS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
The Frenchman is quick, strong, and has a great presence of mind to spot danger. Upamecano is an imposing defender who likes to tackle, averaging 1.9 and 3.1 tackles in the Bundesliga and Champions League, respectively, in the 2019-20 season.
He has a solid presence, and is good in the air, averaging 1.9 aerial duels won per game in the Bundesliga last season.
The 21-year-old is not just strong and efficient in defence, but is also a good passer of the ball, building attacks from the back with his composed passing.
He averaged a whopping 70.1 passes in the Bundesliga, completing 89.1% of all passes. His passing is not restricted to just short passes, as he can play it long too, averaging 5.8 long balls per game in the Bundesliga.
Upamecano could be a phenomenal signing for Arsenal, and will be a step in the right direction to rejuvenate and add leadership to the Arsenal defence.
The Frenchman is just 21 years of age, and could grow further as a defender at Arsenal; his potential is frightening. The Gunners must sign him if they have the opportunity to do so and begin to rebuild their defence, which has been poor over the last few seasons.
Stats via Whoscored