Arsenal favourites to land Upamecano transfer with RB Leipzig willing to take cut-price £34m fee after Bayern pull out
ARSENAL’S hopes of signing Dayot Upamecano have been handed a boost, with RB Leipzig reportedly dropping their asking price for their much-coveted defender.
The Gunners have long been admirers of the 21-year-old, but have so far been unable to stump up a fee that would tempt the Bundesliga side into selling.
But with Upamecano fast approaching the final year of his contract, Leipzig are believed to be willing to lower their asking price in order to ensure that they are not left empty handed at the end of his contract in 2021.
According to Bild, they will accept bids of around £34million for the Frenchman, having previously been expected to stick to his £52million release clause.
Bayern Munich have been seen as front-runners for Upamecano’s signature, but the coronavirus pandemic has shifted their transfer strategy.
The Bundesliga champions will now prioritise prising Leroy Sane from Manchester City, as well as acquiring a new right-back.
This leaves them unable to compete for the signings of top domestic based talents like Upamecano – and also Bayer Leverkusen’s Kai Havertz.
Arsenal are likely to focus what little resources they have available this summer on signing a central defender.
Mikel Arteta’s men were only able to strengthen the position with the loan signing of Pablo Mari in January.
Upamecano is a key target, but it remains to be seen whether the Gunners will be able to juggle their funds in order to complete what would be quite a coup.
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It had been rumoured that the 6ft 1in defender would be signing a one year extension to stay at Red Bull Arena.
But club director Markus Krosche has denied such talk, telling Bild: “Dayot isn’t about to sign anything, neither here nor anywhere else.”
Having missed the start of the season with injury, the £9million 2017 acquisition from RB Salzburg has been a key man this season – making 29 appearances as Leipzig competed for the Bundesliga title and Champions League.