RB Leipzig have reportedly rejected Arsenal’s improved £65 million bid for Dayot Upamecano and are keen on Emile Smith Rowe.
According to The Sun, Arsenal have been dealt with a huge blow in their pursuit of Dayot Upamecano after RB Leipzig rejected their second bid. The Gunners had initially tabled a £55 million offer for the defender, which was quickly turned down by the Bundesliga outfit.
As a result, the North Londoners came up with an improved offer of £65 million. But, that too has been rejected by Leipzig, who are now showing a keen interest in Emile Smith Rowe. It is believed that Die Roten Bullen want the Arsenal youngster as part of the club’s deal to sign Upamecano this summer.
Leipzig, of late, have shown considerable interest in signing talents from the Premier League. They notably signed Ethan Ampadu on loan from Chelsea, while bringing back Ademola Lookman from Everton. Hence, their interest in doing the same with Smith Rowe isn’t surprising at all.
The 19-year-old attacker, who is regarded as one of England’s most talented youngsters, could revamp Leipzig’s attacking options in the upcoming season. He could be utilised as an alternative to Lookman, should he fail to shine in his second spell in the Bundesliga. Besides, the fact that Rowe can feature on both flanks of the pitch as well as in the central role could be useful for Julian Nagelsmann.
As for Arsenal, they will not be fazed by the departure of the youngster, having already brought in the likes of Dani Ceballos and Nicolas Pepe. Hence, the Gunners should look to include Rowe in a deal to sign Upamecano this summer, having seen their initial bid for the player being knocked back as well.
The Frenchman is regarded as one of the most talented defenders in the world and has already shown what he is capable of with his consistent performances in the Bundesliga. Upamecano joined Leipzig in January 2017 and has since made 75 competitive appearances for the club, though he is yet to debut for the French national side.
The 20-year-old, who has the ability to play out from the back, should add a new dimension to the Arsenal backline that has struggled a lot in recent years, in terms of build-up. He also has an intimidating frame of 1.85m while he is an excellent reader of the game as well.
Therefore, the addition of Upamecano could seriously add some much-needed solidity in the Arsenal defence. And at the age of 20, he has time on his side and should turn out to be an excellent long-term investment for the North London giants. But, it remains to be seen if Leipzig budge from their steep valuation of the player.
