Arsenal: 3 dream signings to revolutionise Mikel Arteta era

1. Dayot Upamecano

For all of the focus on midfield and attack, which are currently problematic for Arsenal, — or at least in precarious and unsustainable situations — the greatest need of the team is defence, specifically, the centre-back position. And it is not particularly close.

One name has routinely been linked with a move to north London throughout the season, and there is plenty good reason for it. RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano is wanted the world over. A bruising, brutish, bullying but equally fast centre-back who is ideal to cover space in a high-pressing scheme that many modern teams employ, the Frenchman is the perfect anchor for a defence, which is precisely what Arsenal need.

Upamecano’s physical presence is sublime. He strides around the pitch with ferocity and authority. He barges strikers to the ground. He dominates in the air and is powerful on the ground. But he allies this with excellent distribution, terrific long speed to recover his position, and improving positional awareness, especially at only 21. And with a year left on his contract, he might just be available.

There have been plenty of teams named as suitors, which says as much about Upamecano’s brilliance as it does anything else. Arsenal will have to fight hard to sign him. But he is the dream target to pair with William Saliba and transform the Gunners’ defence.