Barcelona join Arsenal race for Dayot Upamecano | OneFootball

Arsenal and Barcelona both hold an interest in Dayot Upamecano for a January transfer, according to reports in Spain.

Spanish outlet Sport claim Dayot Upamecano is the ‘ultimate goal’ of Barcelona in the winter window, following plenty of links between the RB Leipzig player and Arsenal. They expect the defender to cost €53m.

Sport add that the Gunners still want Upamecano in January. Barcelona reportedly want to sign the 21-year-old to allow Samuel Umtiti to leave the club. Sport also mention Arsenal as a possible buyer in that case.

Most recently, Charles Watts of Goal confirmed Arsenal’s interest in Upamecano. He claimed the club held discussions with RB Leipzig over signing the defender last summer. If Leipzig decide to sell, Arsenal could try and do a deal this month, according to Watts.

The suggestion was certainly that it’s unlikely though. Arsenal expect to wait until summer for their major business. Leipzig are in a great position in the Bundesliga and the Champions League, after all.

Things could still change this month. Upamecano only has a contract until 2021, so if Leipzig worry this is their best chance to cash in, they might sell. Otherwise, summer is the best bet.