Will Dayot Upamecano move to the Premier League?

Dayot Upamecano has been an impeccable asset to Julian Nagelsmann’s RB Leipzig squad this season, inducing a profusion of transfer rumours. The centre-back is reportedly wanted by a haul of top clubs: Barcelona, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City are seemingly all keen on signing the Frenchman. With a £50M release clause, it is no surprise that his list of suitors is so extensive.

Dayot Upamecano salzburg
Image source: bundesliga.com

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Upamecano fancies a move to the Premier League. With this in mind, Arsenal, City and United will have to battle for the 21-year-old’s signature. It has also been widely suggested that the player is hungry to sign for a team in which regular first-team football would be offered. 

However, Arsenal – the team that’s kept a close eye on Dayot Upamecano in recent years – are unlikely to afford his release clause. Coronavirus hasn’t exactly helped the finances of Premier teams, therefore Arsenal is requesting the playing and coaching staff take a 12.5% pay cut. The financial effects of this disease will surely prevent football clubs from spending as much as they usually would. 

Manchester United will undoubtedly suffer the consequences after former manager Louis Van Gaal was unable to get Upamecano signing as a free agent in 2015, France Football reveals. According to these reports, the Bundesliga star, who was well known at 16, was given a tour of the Theatre Of Dreams and Carrington, but couldn’t be persuaded to join. He went on to play for Red Bull Salzburg, Leipzig’s feeder club. The Glazers and Sheikh Mansour, United and City’s owners respectively, would doubtlessly be in worse financial positions than regularly, but they hardly lack a few quid to sign the French-international.

Upamecano has just one year remaining on his contract at Leipzig, meaning that despite having a £53 million release clause in his current contract, he could be available for as little as £35 million.

Despite the prohibition of European Competitions for 2 years, Man City boss Pep Guardiola is thought to be honouring his contract until its expiry in 2021. This will mean he would want to leave the Cityzens on a good note; a perfect way to do this is to strengthen the position that has been frail ever since City legend, Kompany, left the Etihad. Centre back. And who better to sign than a young, intimidating monster of a defender. With excellent performances in Europe and Germany, it would be purely ignorant to not approach Upamecano. 

Although financially held back, Arsenal is desperate to sign another defender after Mikel Arteta made it clear he wanted an elite centre-back in his ranks. If Upamecano’s price falls and The Gunners let go of a few players gathering dust on the bench, this signing would be hailed as one of the greatest ever for Arsenal. Dayot Upamecano’s potential ability is mirrored by an extreme determination. Not only would he be an incredible player, but he has the qualities to be a future captain. He feels what the fans feel, and his daunting style of play brings out the qualities of a true leader.

Whether Upamecano opts for Arsenal, Man City, Man United or even decides that he wants to stay in the Bundesliga, it is clear that whoever he is playing for next season will have a wonderful player on their hands.

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