Arsenal
Arsenal step-up pursuit of Bundesliga star after being knocked back by £53m target
Arsenal have stepped-up their interest in Dayot Upamecano after identifying the RB Leipzig defender as a cheaper alternative to Samuel Umtiti
Managers are working hard trying to strengthen their squads during the summer transfer window so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip from around the globe. Today, Arsenal step-up their interest in Dayot Upamecano….
Arsenal have stepped-up their interest in Dayot Upamecano after identifying the RB Leipzig defender as a cheaper alternative to prime target Samuel Umtiti, according to the Mirror.
Unai Emery desperately needs to strengthen his squad this summer after we finished fifth in the table and overhauling an ageing defence is a priority after we conceded 70 goals in all competitions last season.
Laurent Koscielny is being linked with a move away as he turns 34 soon as has just one year left on his contract while Shkodran Mustafi could also be on the move following a disappointing spell at the Emirates.
Arsenal have been working on possible new recruits and Umtiti emerged as a prime target with The Sun reporting recently that Emery is keen on the Frenchman and Barcelona are ready to do business if £53m is put on the table.
That kind of money could prove to be a stumbling block after we failed to qualify for the Champions League but the Mirror claims Umtiti has knocked back our advances anyway after making it clear he wants to remain at the Nou Camp.
Arsenal are now on the look out for cheaper alternatives and the newspaper says Emery stepped-up his interest in Upamecano after sending scouts to watch the youngster play for the France U21’s during their 3-0 win over Belgium on Monday night.
Upamecano has also been linked with a move to the Emirates in recent months after impressing for Leipzig since joining the Bundesliga outfit from Red Bull Salzburg two years ago.
The 20-year-old has two years left on his contract and Leipzig are keen to hold on to him but the Mirror says Upamecano may be tempted by the idea of playing in the Premier League if Arsenal come calling with a firm offer.
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The report suggests Sampdoria centre-back Joachim Anderson is also a target for Arsenal so it looks like the club are actively trying to strengthen the defence over the coming weeks and I’d be happy with any of the names being touted in the media.
