Arsenal turn attention to signing Reims defender?

Arsenal have reportedly switched their focus to signing Reims defender Axel Disasi as they are unlikely to meet the valuation for Dayot Upamecano.

The north London side have been heavily linked with Upamecano in recent months and it has been claimed that they are looking to trigger the £53m release clause in his contract.

However, there are doubts whether they can afford such a high figure with the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic and Goal.com claims that they have identified Disasi as the alternative target.

Disasi has only 12 months remaining on his contract with Reims, who ended the recent Ligue 1 season in the sixth spot with one of the best defensive records in Europe.

The 22-year-old is likely to be available for a cut-price fee of around £13m but the Gunners face direct competition from Wolverhampton Wanderers, who are in talks with the player's agent.

Arsenal restart their Premier League campaign after the lockdown with an away trip to Manchester City. A victory in the game in hand could see them within two points off a potential Champions League spot.