Upamecano is one of a host players to thrive under Julian Nagelsmann (Picture: Getty Images)

RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano prefers a move to the Premier League with Arsenal on high alert, according to reports.

The 21-year-old centre-back has been the subject of interest from Europe’s elite clubs, with Bayern Munich and Barcelona all keeping tabs on him.

Upamecano is yet to sign a new contract for the Bundesliga club, and has just a year left on his current deal.

German publication BILD are reporting that the French defender’s dream destination is England, where he could be lured away for around £50million.


Pablo Mari joined from Flamengo in January on a loan deal (Picture: Getty Images)

The Gunners have already had a bid of the same amount rejected in 2019, but they could go back in with another offer in the summer.



Upamecano was a standout performer in Julian Nagelsmann’s side’s 0-0 draw with Bayern Munich on Sunday, but seemingly can’t be convinced to agree to a contract extension at the club.

After the game on Sunday, Leipzig’s sporting director Markus Krösche said: ‘Dayot is a very important player on our team and not only showed on Sunday what a fantastic defender he is. Time will tell how things will go in the medium term.’

Mikel Arteta’s already has a long list of centre-backs at his disposal, but could look to make some cuts in that department come the summer.

The north London club will also be boosted by the arrival of 18-year-old William Saliba, who they bought and instantly loaned back to Ligue 1 side St Etienne last year.

With the January loan signing of Spanish defender Pablo Mari from Brazilian club Flamengo, Arteta may feel like he has enough cover in the position.

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