Arsenal must step up their interest in RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano, as AC Milan believe that they can win the race for the potential perfect summer addition for the Gunners.
Mikel Arteta’s side are keen on bringing the 21-year old centre-back to the Emirates in the summer, although Calciomercato (via Football.London) claim that AC Milan are confident of sealing a deal.
It was reported in February that the Frenchman would prefer a Premier League move in the summer, however Milan believe that their salary offer of €3 million per year and the temptation for Upamecano to work with Ralf Rangnick again could convince him otherwise.
This should motivate Arsenal to make their move with haste, with the powerful centre-half considered by many Arsenal fans to be the perfect player to partner William Saliba for the Gunners next season.
The 21-year old has shone for Leipzig in the Bundesliga this season, earning Bayern Munich’s interest, and should the 21-year old join 18-year old Saliba in Arsenal’s defence next season, the Gunners will have an extremely youthful yet talented backline.
Upamecano’s defensive talents are clear for all to see, with the defender having averaged 1.7 interceptions per game for Leipzig this season, narrowly beating Skhodran Mustafi, the best of Arsenal’s centre-backs.
The 6ft1 powerhouse also ranks above the Gunners’ defenders in tackles per game, averaging 2.1 per game, while Calum Chambers has the most of any Arsenal defender to have played more than 10 games at 1.9.
Upamecano isn’t expected to be cheap, but he could be worth the big spending if Arsenal wish to get back into the Champions League next season.
