Arsenal target now wanted at Manchester City

It is no secret that RB Leipzig’s central defender Dayot Upamecano is a long-term Arsenal target. The Frenchman is one of the top names in Arsenal's wish-list for the upcoming transfer window. The Gunners, however, could regret the decision of not pursuing the signing of the 21-year-old in the summer, as reports in England claim that Manchester city are set to register their interest in the Frenchman.

The Gunners were in the market to land the RB Leipzig defender before the start of the season but refused to raise their final £55m offer, which was rejected by the German giants. The young central defender still remains the top priority of the Gunners, as his value could significantly come down, as he goes out of contract in the summer of 2021.

Arsenal had hoped that they could land their long-term target for a fee of around £40m next summer as RB Leipzig would be more ready to cash-in on the player with the fear of losing him for free next season. The Gunners preferred to wait for the next summer for Upamecano. But recent reports suggested that Unai Emery had been demanding that the player be brought in January as the north London club continue to struggle defensively.

However, with Manchester City also struggling defensively this season following the injury to Aymeric Laporte, Pep Guardiola is also facing a similar situation. Arsenal will feel unlucky that the Citizens have also seemingly targeted Upamecano to solve their defensive woes.

The back-to-back champions of England have been rocked by the long-term injury to Aymeric Laporte and have now conceded 13 goals this season, four more than Sheffield United. With Liverpool already establishing a 14 points lead over them, Guardiola will certainly do everything in his powers to strengthen the squad.

The former Barcelona manager seemingly has lost his faith in Nicolas Otamendi and has instead preferred to play Fernandinho in a make-shift defensive role. RB Leipzig will make a hefty profit on Upamecano after signing him for just £9m from sister club RB Salzburg in 2017. However, they could play hardball in January considering that they are also in the middle of a rare title race in Bundesliga.

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