Arsenal have been handed a boost in their pursuit of RB Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano, who has reportedly informed the Bundesliga club that he intends to leave this summer.
The 21-year-old is a long-term Gunners target and the North London club even rumoured to have made a €60m bid to try and lure him from RB Arena last summer.
The Frenchman has shone since moving to Leipzig from sister club RB Salzburg in 2017, making 104 appearances for Julian Nagelsmann’s side.
However, Upamecano has been linked with a move to a number of European clubs due to his deal expiring in 2021 and no extension having been agreed.
And Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal could be primed to step up their pursuit of the youngster, with German outlet Sport Bild reporting that Upamecano has told the club he would like to leave this summer.
RB Leipzig will want to cash in on their star to profit on the £9m they paid in 2017 before he leaves on a free next summer.
The Gunners may opt to bid €60m once more, as this is reportedly Upamecano’s release clause, though they may be loath to spend so much on a developing player amid the uncertainty surrounding football during the coronavirus outbreak.
Leipzig may opt to sell for less, though the in-demand centre-half has also attracted attention from European giants including Bayern Munich and Liverpool and Upamecano is sure to carry a substantial price tag.
The France U21 international is yet to make his debut for the senior national team, though he is sure to break into Didier Deschamps’ plans if he carries on at his current rate of development.
Upamecano can also be utilised in defensive midfield and has scored four career goals and provided three assists to date.
