Report: Premier League duo join Arsenal in race to sign defender Dayot Upamecano

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Arsenal will look to complete a deal for RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano during the January transfer window.

According to The Sun, the powerful central defender will cost £50 million, with the Gunners likely to be joined by Tottenham and Manchester City in the race for his signature.

The 21-year-old has been with Leipzig since 2017. He has played 94 times and is quickly developing into one of Europe’s top defenders.

Upamecano has played 15 times for the France under-21 team and looks certain to win a full cap at some point.

The enforcer would certainly be a class signing. He has been a regular figure for Leipzig who currently sit at the top of the Bundesliga.

He has helped the German team to seven wins in their last eight games and is strong, quick and intelligent.

Arsenal’s defending has been shambolic at times this season. Boss Mikel Arteta knows he must address that and Upamecano would certainly help.

TBR Verdict – Arsenal must pounce on the central defender who could revive fortunes

If Arsenal land Upamecano supporters can truly start to believe that things can start to progress.

The youngster might not be the finished article but he is head and shoulders above anything else at the football club.

David Luiz, Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis have all had their comical moments this season and none of the three looks capable of reviving the flailing fortunes.

Reinforcements are required and Upamecano could be the answer.

His pass success rate in the Bundesliga this season is at 88.3% whilst he wins nearly three aerial challenges a game, according to Who Scored.

Those statistics highlight his intelligent ball-playing qualities and Arsenal could certainly do with a calming influence right now.