Arsenal can sign French defender for £53m

Arsenal have the opportunity to sign RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano for just £53m when the season comes to a close.

The north London side were heavily linked with the 20-year-old centre-back last summer but ultimately, they were reluctant to meet the £71m release clause on the player's contract.

According to L'Equipe, Upamecano's release clause will drop to £53m when he enters the final year of his contract next summer and this may offer the Gunners with a fresh opportunity to land his services.

Unai Emery's side made a bid of around £55m for Upamecano last summer but Leipzig turned down the advances while demanding Emile Smith Rowe as part of a deal worth £60m.

However, the Gunners had no ambition to part ways with Smith Rowe, who is considered as a long-term prospect and they are now likely to come up with a renewed approach for Upamecano.

Upamecano is currently battling his way back from a knee injury picked up during the backend of the previous season and he has made just two appearances in the Bundesliga.