Arsenal ‘lead the race’ to sign Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano

Red Bull Leipzig centre back Dayot Upamecano has been linked with Arsenal for over a year. He is one of Europe’s most exciting defensive prospects and many clubs including Bayern Munich, Manchester United, AC Milan and Barcelona have been linked with him in addition to the Gunners.

Arsenal are said to have had a £55 million bid for Upamecano rejected last summer. It seems that their interest has not subsided and they will look to go back in for the defender over the summer. Upamecano has one year left on his contract with RB Leipzig and the club leadership have made it clear that he will not be allowed to leave for free. RB Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff talked about the player to BILD:

“Upa is an extremely important player for us and one of the most sought-after talents in his position in Europe. One thing we can assure you of is that we have a very clear understanding with him and his agent that he will not be allowed to leave for free. We can’t afford that as a club.”

“So there are two options for him: Either he will sign a contract extension or he will leave. I am absolutely sure that we will know relatively quickly in which direction it goes.”

Today, Italian media outlet Tuttosport have claimed that AC Milan have all but admitted defeat in their attempt to sign Dayot Upamecano. They further claim that Arsenal lead the race for the French centre back and have an agreement with RB Leipzig regarding the player. The agreement is that if Upamecano does not renew his deal with the German club this summer, they will sell him to the Gunners to avoid losing him for free next summer.

If this proves to be true and Upamecano signs for Arsenal this summer, it will be a blockbuster signing signalling the intent and ambition of Arsenal Football Club.