Arsenal are desperate to bolster their defensive options before Thursday’s 5pm deadline, with RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano thought to be a key target.
The Gunners have already failed in a first bid for the Frenchman, and it looks like they may well have to trigger the player’s £92 million release clause.
However, recent reports have suggested that the Bundesliga side could be interested in a deal which would see Emile Smith-Rowe move to Germany on a permanent basis, alongside a discounted cash figure.
Some Arsenal fans have taken to social media to react to the news, with plenty calling for the Gunners to trade in the midfielder if it meant bringing in Upamecano.
Twitter: Sensible transaction Emile Smith-Rowe is developing through. Dayot Upamecano it would be sensible acquisition at £2… https://t.co/b4yq6m7TiQ (@CurtisBoulton6)
Twitter: @DailyCannon Let’s be honest, as talented as Smith-Rowe is, history has shown there isn’t a high success rate in hi… https://t.co/TaQv3kg1yc (@2goons1spud)
Twitter: @clivepafc They want smith Rowe in the upamecano deal. Personally I think we should do it with a first option to bu… https://t.co/RhOM3kFqTi (@sandman186)
Twitter: Emilie Smith-Rowe is the youth player I’m most excited about.
But our dire need to sort out the defence has to tr… https://t.co/PljUIDunhe (@Arsepirational)
Read Arsenal verdict
Even though Smith-Rowe looks likely to turn out to be a future star, the Gunners would be better off agreeing to Leipzig’s terms by including the midfielder in a deal.
Despite a bright start to his Arsenal career, the 19-year-old would find it difficult to break into Unai Emery’s plans following the arrival of Dani Ceballos and Nicolas Pepe.
In terms of priorities, central defence is a key area that needs strengthening immediately, especially after the recent controversial exit of Laurent Koscielny.
The arrival of Upamecano would complete the club’s successful window and would sure up Emery’s defensive worries for the new season.
The 20-year-old is quick, strong and intelligent, showing maturity beyond his years in recent campaigns with Leipzig.
If Arsenal can also include a potential buy-back clause for the talented teenager, it would definitely be viewed as a great piece of business by the Gunners.
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