Report suggests Arsene Wenger wanted current Arsenal target Dayot Upamecano for just £1m

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Arsenal have recently been linked with a move for RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano. The Frenchman has been thriving in the Bundesliga and Champions League and Arsenal have been linked with his signature. 

The Mirror recently reported that Upamecano was on their radar and the 21-year-old’s recent display against rivals Tottenham in the Champions League had many excited for his potential signature. 

The Daily Mail recently reported that the Frenchman has a £50 million release clause in his current Leipzig deal, which certainly seems like a good price considering his age and ability. 

However, Arsenal could have got him so much cheaper had Arsene Wenger got his way. Back in 2015, as reported by The Mirror, the former Arsenal boss was desperate to sign the then 16-year-old Frenchman from Valenciennes in a £1 million deal. It was said that Wenger was looking likely to beat Manchester United and Inter Milan to his signature. 

However, Upamecano was convinced that the exciting new project at team Red Bull was his best option. The defender joined Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg instead, for a similar fee, spending time at feeder club FC Liefering before joining sister club Leipzig in 2017. 

Now, Arsenal will need to pay £49 million extra for the privilege of bringing the player to The Emirates Stadium. However, if he performs in the way he has been recently, it will be well worth the extra price.