Arsenal and Dayot Upamecano: Possibility or pipe dream?

Arsenal are in dire need of defensive reinforcements this summer. The name at the top of many wishlists is Dayot Upamecano. But is it actually possible or is he a mere pipe dream?

Despite the current hiatus in football due to the coronavirus outbreak, Arsenal should still be looking for reinforcements to bring in to bolster the defence, whenever the time allows. The centre-back position is especially problematic, and the club will need to find a solution in the transfer window.

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No name has been linked with a move to north London more than Dayot Upamecano. The promising, French central defender helped his team, RB Leipzig, to the Champions League quarter-finals, beautifully knocking out Tottenham Hotspur in the process. He has flourished in the Bundesliga as the anchor of Julian Nagelsmann’s defence and is widely touted as one of the brightest defensive talents in world football.

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But while I and many others would love to see a player with his potential and talent arrive at the club, the question must be asked: is it actually a possibility or is it merely a pipe dream?

Various reports have stated that despite RB Leipzig having such a good season, the coveted 21-year-old is still seeking a move away from the Bundesliga club, and given that he has just one year remaining on his contract, Leipzig might be forced to sell. A host of teams, including the Gunners, Tottenham and Bayern Munich are said to be interested in the prospect of snatching his signature.

However, despite his wanting to leave, it will be difficult for Arsenal to convince Upamecano to make the switch to the Emirates. If Bayern Munich are interested, it is an uphill battle. Bayern value young players greatly and have routinely given the best young Bundesliga talent a chance to shine. Upamecano will have seen many before him shine as a result of their move to the German giants.

The crucial difference to Arsenal, though is that Bayern will win trophies. They will consistently challenge for the Bundesliga title, and invariably win it, having finished top the last seven seasons, and are almost always in the Champions League. In contrast, the Gunners have not won their domestic league title since 2004.

If Arsenal are willing to splash the cash and do so in a timely manner, maybe Upamecano would ponder joining. The rumoured price tag of £60 million may ward off a number of clubs given the fact that that price is a hefty risk no matter how high his potential is.

If Arsenal are serious about reaching the heights prior heights of Champions League qualification and title challenges, signings like Upamecano must be made. Upamecano is the type of signing Liverpool and Manchester City have made in recent years. It is why they are the best two teams in world football right now.

The signature of Upamecano could be the first step of recovery under Mikel Arteta. But Will the signing actually happen? Sadly, probably not. To me, it is little more than a pipedream.