Arsenal academy manager and former centre-back Per Mertesacker has issued a glowing verdict on RB Leipzig star Dayot Upamecano.
The 21-year-old defender has been linked with an array of sides across Europe including Arsenal after his fine form for the German side this season.
RB Leipzig remain in the Champions League and face Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals this evening, with Upamecano having played a key role throughout for the Bundesliga side.
The Frenchman extended his contract at the club earlier this summer until the end of the 2022/23 season, but that move was more seen as a way of the Germans ensuring a big fee for a potential sale next year if that comes to pass.
Arsenal fans may have been dealt a blow for the current transfer window but they are still dreaming of signing Upamecano down the line, with Mertesacker's comments likely to only further enhance their desire to get the centre-back to the Emirates.
Speaking about Upamecano's latest impressive showing against Atletico Madrid in his side's 2-1 Champions League quarter-final win, Mertesacker told Goal: "I was very excited about the Atletico game.
"He showed so much and did it right: the courage of a Lucio who just goes forward, but also my solid game of simply finding the right man or withdrawing.
"If he continues like this, works on himself and remains consistent, he will generate more interest. He's definitely one of the most exciting central defenders the world has to offer right now.
"RB certainly made the contract extension very tasty for him. It's exciting to see where his path is going."
