Report: Highly-rated defender on Arsenal radar set to be £22m cheaper this summer

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A player who has reportedly been on Arsenal’s radar since last summer could be available for a cut-price fee at the end of the season, according to a report in The Telegraph.

RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano was linked with the Gunners last summer, the North London club reportedly making a £50million bid which was turned down by the Bundesliga club.

One of the most highly rated young defenders in world football, the 21-year-old is believed to be sought after by numerous elite clubs including Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

As reported by The Telegraph, Arsenal’s bid was turned down last summer as Upamecano had a £72million release clause, and the Gunners ended up moving for Saint-Etienne’s William Saliba, who will join Mikel Arteta’s side in July.

However, the previous £50million bid lodged by Arsenal would theorerically suffice this summer, as the France Under-21 defender will be entering the final year of his contract in the summer, and as such the release clause will be slashed by £22million, according to the report.

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Although Saliba was signed by Arsenal in wake of their failure to recruit Upamecano, the Gunners should reconsider making another move for the talented Leipzig ace, a £50million price tag relatively cheap considering the player’s talents and proven credentials at the highest level despite his age.

Arsenal’s defence has flattered to deceive for much of the season and Arteta will likely want to shake things up in his squad and bring in his own players in a bid to drag the club out of its current doldrums.

However, would Upamecano join Arsenal if they fail to make it into Europe when there are teams said to be interested in him consistently qualifying for the Champions League, reaching the latter stages of the competition, and challenging for domestic trophies regularly?