Why Arsenal should go all out for Dayot Upamecano
According to Express, Arsenal have joined the race for Dayot Upamecano. A deal could be seen as early as next summer as interest grows in the player amidst his wishes of playing in the Premier League. Manchester United are also said to be after him despite some contradicting reports saying they have cooled off their interest.
Profile
Dayot Upamecano is a 22-year-old French centre-back who currently plays for German club RB Leipzig. He started his senior career at RB Salzburg in 2015. Two years later, he made the switch to Germany and has since improved by leaps and bounds to become one of the first names in Julian Nagelsmann’s side.
The youngster was a part of Leipzig’s dream Champions League campaign last season where they made it to the semi-finals. In 129 appearances for the club, he has scored 4 and assisted 2. Upamecano recently made his debut for France and has 3 caps to his name.
Arsenal could use someone like Upamecano
When Arsenal wrapped up their transfer window having signed the likes of Willian, Gabriel Maglahaes and Thomas Partey, it seemed that they had gotten it right. Yet as the season rolls towards the halfway point, they haven’t won even one of their last 5 league games. The club have lost an embarrassing 7 out of 13 games, sitting in 15th place, scoring 11 and conceding 16 goals.
The once settled defence looks shaky now as defensive reinforcements look like a huge requirement. Arsenal may have a huge contingent of central defenders but only a handful can say that they are quality players.
The likes of Shkodran Mustafi, Sokratis and David Luiz have been too error-prone in the past to warrant more chances and they hamper the side’s performances.
Arsenal will be making no mistake in pursuing Upamecano. The centre-back was a vital part of RB Leipzig’s journey to the Champions League semi-finals last season. He showed incredible calmness that belies his age. His defending skills are well complemented by his tendency to move forward and provide that key pass to the forwards.
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Upamecano can be the ideal partner for Gabriel to shore up the defence and give the team some stability. With Manchester United also in the frame to sign him, the Gunners would be wise to wrap up a deal for him and pip their rivals to his signature.
