Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Andy Ha

Dayot Upamecano, Samuel Umtiti and Thomas Partey - Arsenal transfer rumours rated

The season has been halted due to the coronavirus outbreak, with all top flight football  postponed until 4 April.

Uefa have announced that Euro 2020 will be pushed back a year to 2021 in order to allow league football across Europe to finish in the summer, but there are no indications of whether nations will be able to complete their respective seasons.

With Arsenal still harbouring hopes of Champions League qualification and FA Cup glory, it is an uncertain time for Mikel Arteta's side, but the delayed resumption of matches hasn't stopped the transfer rumour mill.

The crucial signings Arsenal should make

The Gunners are working behind the scenes to bolster their squad ahead of next season, with several high profile names linked with a move to the Emirates.

Here, we take a look at a few of the players touted with a switch to north London.

Who?

Dayot Upamecano . The RB Leipzig centre-back who has earned rave reviews for his performances in the Bundesliga and established himself as one of the hottest prospects in Europe.

The 21-year-old Frenchman has helped Ralph Hassenhuttl's side to third in the table, five points behind leaders Bayern Munich, and recently starred as Leipzig beat Tottenham 3-0 in the Champions League last-16.

Where?

According to Sky Germany, RB Leipzig turned down an Arsenal move for Dayot Upamecano in January, whilst reports in Germany claim the centre-back has rejected a new deal, leaving Leipzig in that awkward position of cashing in or risking losing him for nothing.

(Roland Krivec/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

What?

football.london understands Arsenal are interested in signing Upamecano this summer, but much could depend on Champions League qualification - once the Premier League season resumes.

The Gunners have been tracking Upamecano for several years, but contrary to reports at the time they did not make a bid for him last summer, largely because he was out of their reach at in excess of £70million.

As things stand that will change this summer, when the 21-year-old will have just one year left on his contract.

Who?

Samuel Umtiti. The Barcelona defender and France international who has long been linked with a move to north London.

Where?

Arsenal and Manchester United have both been offered the chance to sign Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti, according to recent reports in the Daily Star.

Although, French outlet Le Parisien claimed he rejected the chance to join the Gunners in January.

(Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

What?

Despite Umtiti reportedly being surplus to requirements, Arsenal are unlikely to target the World Cup winner.

His price tag of £45million+ would prove prohibitive, whilst Arsenal would prefer to target defenders with a different age profile.

The impending return of William Saliba and the possible permanent signing of Pablo Mari also makes an expensive outlay on Umtiti all the more improbable.

Who?

Thomas Partey . The Atletico Madrid midfielder has emerged as one of the most highly-rated central midfielders in Europe, after several excellent seasons at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Partey starred as Atletico beat reigning European champions Liverpool over two legs, and has been touted as a long-term solution to Arsenal's central midfield problems.

(Alejandro Rios/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Where?

Diego Simeone's side are reportedly in talks with the 26-year-old over a new contract but according to Spanish outlet Libertad Digital, his current deal has a £42million release clause, which Arsenal are interested in activating this summer.

What?

With a reported release clause in Partey's contract, Arsenal could be temped to make a move for a player who would undoubtedly improve their squad.

However, with much of their summer dealings, a lot will depend on whether the club qualifies for the Champions League to fund some higher-profile purchases.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.