Report: Arsenal-linked £53m gem who wowed Arsene Wenger wants Premier League move

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A player reportedly sought after by Arsenal is believed to favour a move to the Premier League ahead of France and Spain in a huge boost for Mikel Arteta’s Gunners, according to Sport.

The 21-year-old is one of the most sought-after young defenders in world football at the moment and the fact his contract expires at the end of the 2020-21 season makes him even more appealing to potential suitors.

According to Bild, Upamecano is available for around £53million in the summer transfer window and so far he has refused to extend his current deal with RB Leipzig, with Arsenal said to be keen on the centre-back after previously failing to sign him.

In 2015, as reported by The Mirror, former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was desperate to sign the then 16-year-old Frenchman from Valenciennes in a £1 million deal, but he ended up joining Red Bull Salzburg instead.

In October last year, the Gunners were deemed to be frontrunners for the Frenchman’s signature along with AC Milan (Calciomercato), but since then, numerous other clubs, including Liverpool and Tottenham, have been linked with his services (The Mirror).

Upamecano is also said to be on the wishlists of both City boss Pep Guardiola and United counterpart Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, both clubs reportedly interested in bolstering their defensive ranks this summer (Sky Sports).

The report by Sport claims that, while  Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona are interested in Upamecano’s services, the player reportedly wants to play in the Premier League and thinks that his style of play suits the English game.

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Aside from the plaudits sent Upamecano’s way, the France Under-21 defender’s displays have often spoken for themselves, in particular his shutout of Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski in the goalless draw between the two sides earlier this year.

A big, strong centre-back with explosive pace and superb reading of the game, it’s unsurprising to see the Premier League’s top sides all linked with him, and given how much interest there seems to be in him, there could well be a bidding war.

And if the latest report is true, it could prove a huge boost for Arsenal and the other suitors, knowing the desire is mutual.