It’s been clear for some time now that Arsenal’s main transfer target as they look to upgrade their defence is Dayot Upamecano of RB Leipzig.
The 21-year-old has emerged as one of the most talented youngsters in Europe over the last couple of years, a commanding presence at the back for the Bundesliga side.
Arsenal, in need of improvements at centre-back, have prioritised his signature, but they are likely to face competition.
Both Real Madrid and Barcelona have been linked with the Frenchman, so the Gunners might need to look elsewhere if Upamecano is lured away to La Liga. Here are five possible alternatives...
Even N’Dicka
Club: Eintracht Frankfurt
Age: 20
Nationality: France
According to Sky Sports, Arsenal have identified N’Dicka as an alternative to Upamecano, although they are not alone. It seems Liverpool, Valencia, Sevilla and both Milan clubs are interested, too.
At 6 foot 4, the youngster is a towering presence. He is coveted partly because he is also left-footed, and only so many top centre-backs fit into that bracket.
N’Dicka is equally capable of playing at left-back, where he has regularly slotted in for Frankfurt. A powerful, pacy and technically-accomplished defender, as well as an excellent reader of the game, he would have few problems adjusting to the rigour of the Premier League.
Chris Smalling
Club: Manchester United
Age: 30
Nationality: England
Though Arsenal appear to be looking more towards young, up-and-coming defenders, they have been linked with a move for Manchester United’s Smalling.
The England international, who has spent the season on loan at Roma, is expected to depart on a permanent basis when his spell in Italy comes to an end.
There have been rumours of a permanent switch to Roma, where he has impressed, but they are reluctant to pay the £25m fee required to sign him.
Smalling, then, may be of interest to Arsenal, who are, according to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, leading the race to secure his signature.
Chris Richards
Club: Bayern Munich
Age: 20
Nationality: USA
Richards has not made a competitive appearance for Bayern but his stock is remarkably high.
He is, like Upamecano and N’Dicka, confident on the ball, comfortable driving forward from the back and starting his side’s moves.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta appears to favour that kind of centre-back, so it is no surprise that Richards has caught the Spaniard’s eye.
The Express claim that Richards, who can also fill in at right-back, could be set for a move due to his lack of game time at Bayern.
Chelsea are also believed to be interested in signing Richards, who only moved to Bayern from MLS side FC Dallas last year.
Walce
Club: São Paulo
Age: 21
Nationality: Brazil
Walce was on Arsenal’s radar in January, but a move did not materialise, partly because the Gunners instead pursued Pablo Mari of Flamengo.
Arteta may consider Walce worthy of another look, though. He is young and highly-rated, and would be more of a left-field signing than the players previously mentioned here.
He would be cheaper, too. The only issue is that Walce is sidelined until September with a ruptured cruciate ligament. Otherwise, the Brazil under-23 international looks a viable option.
Pablo Mari
Club: Flamengo
Age: 26
Nationality: Spain
Arsenal fans are already familiar with Mari, who arrived at the club on loan from Flamengo in January and has since made two appearances for the club.
He has, albeit briefly, shown what he brings to the defence - assuredness on the ball and the kind of imposing presence Arsenal need at the back.
Arsenal have the option to sign Mari permanently, but with William Saliba joining in the summer, too, Arteta does not want to find himself with a squad full of centre-backs.
