ARSENAL have received a boost in the race for Dayot Upamecano with RB Leipzig ready to sell for £40m this January.
The Gunners were interested in the highly-rated defender last summer, but could not secure a deal.
Arsenal are looking to bring Dayot Upamecano from RB Leipzig in this January
The 21-year-old has been looked at by a number of clubs around Europe, and the German side are now thought to be happy to let him leave.
According to Le Parisien, he will be allowed to exit next month provided they can tie down Tanguy Kouassi to a contract.
The 17-year-old is on the brink of letting his terms run down at PSG to move to Leipzig on his first professional deal.
He is seen as the long-term successor to Upamecano, who was expected to stay until at least next summer.
Arsenal are looking to sign a centre-back in January, with new boss Mikel Arteta desperate to strengthen that area.
It is understood the Gunners had a £55m-plus bid rejected for the Frenchman during the summer window.
David Luiz was signed for £8m from Chelsea instead, but he has not lived up to expectations so far this campaign.
Upamecano’s contract expires at the end 2021, and fresh terms have not yet been agreed.
It is thought he has a £92m release clause, which is reduced to £60m in 2020.
Meanwhile, Arteta is also looking at signing a new defensive midfielder in January.
Granit Xhaka is set to quit the Emirates and join Hertha Berlin after he agreed terms to move back to Germany.
Dayot Upamecano shows his determination in training at RB Leipzig
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
