Dayot Upamecano's agent reveals the RB Leipzig defender nearly joined Manchester United four years ago, but the transfer failed to materialise over broken promises.
Upamecano has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs including Tottenham and Arsenal, with the Gunners reportedly ready to back head coach Mikel Arteta with funds in the January transfer window to strengthen the side's defence.
According to The Mirror, Arsenal are keeping close tabs on Upamecano, who could be allowed to leave next month with his contract running down.
The north Londoners were beaten 2-1 by Chelsea at the weekend, a game in which their defensive frailties were highlighted yet again as Jorginho and Tammy Abraham scored in the final seven minutes.
Mikel Arteta's side take on Manchester United on New Year's Day, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looking for a third consecutive Premier League win.
United strengthened their defence in the summer with the world record capture of Harry Maguire from Leicester City, but Upamecano could well have been lining up alongside the England defender at the Emirates.
According to the Leipzig star's agent Thierry Martinez, United had the chance to sign Upamecano for just £2million in 2015, but the deal collapsed over unmet demands.
Speaking to French outlet So Foot, Martinez said: “An intermediary met with us, but between the project she presented us and what was actually going to happen.
“A flat was promised, but that changed to a host family with only six return trips for his parents.
“When you uproot a player at such a young age, that isn’t enough.
“I wanted Dayot to have a stable emotional balance off the pitch.”
