Arsenal 'leading race for Dayot Upamecano'

Arsenal are reportedly leading the race for RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano.

The Gunners were in the market for the French centre-back in the summer but saw a late bid rejected as the Bundesliga side held out for £70m.

However, Arsenal remain interested in the 20-year-old and could be set to land their man ahead of AC Milan, who are also keen, according to Calciomercato.

Upamecano's contract at Leipzig is thought to contain a release clause that decreases each year, making the centre-back available for closer to the £50m Arsenal were hoping to spend on him.

The defender made his return from injury around a month ago and has since started each of the team's five games, impressing with his ability on the ball and his physicality off it.

Arsenal's defensive issues are well documented, and there are hopes that Upamecano could form a long-term partnership with summer signing William Saliba, presently on loan at Saint-Etienne.