Arsenal lining up Dayot Upamecano as Mikel Arteta’s first signing to shore up leaky defence – and RB Leipzig could be persuaded by £40m January bid
- New Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is hunting a new centre-back in January
- Red Bull Leipzig youngster Dayot Upamecano is high on Arteta’s wish list
- Calum Chambers’ knee injury has accelerated the need for a new defender
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is stalling on a contract extension at the Emirates
Arsenal will provide new manager Mikel Arteta with funds in next month’s transfer window to plug their leaky defence.
Money is limited following three seasons without Champions League football but the club are prioritising a centre back.
Red Bull Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano, 21, is high on their list and the German club could be persuaded to sell for around £40million.
Defender Dayot Upamecano is rated at £40million by his current club Red Bull Leipzig
New Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is hunting a new centre back in the January window
Arsenal were interested in Upamecano, who has 18 months left on his deal, during the summer but felt his price was too high.
Their need for a new centre-back was increased by a knee injury to Calum Chambers in the 2-1 loss to Chelsea on Sunday.
Calum Chambers in agony after injuring his knee in Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat against Chelsea
The club’s medical team were trying to establish on Monday if the defender has suffered significant ligament damage.
Arsenal are also facing a fight to convince captain and top scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang that his future remains at the Emirates despite Arteta’s arrival.
The Gabon striker’s contract expires at the end of next season but he is still stalling on an extension and is yet to be convinced the club can challenge for top honours.
