Arsenal have reportedly been quoted a fee of around £70 million by RB Leipzig for their highly coveted defender Dayot Upamecano, but is he worthy of such a hefty price tag?
Read Arsenal verdict
There is no denying that Arsenal are in need of defensive reinforcements ahead of the new season, and Upamecano certainly appears to match the quick, physical profile so sought after by Premier League clubs in today’s market.
However, the question remains, can a club whose finances have been the subject of much debate afford to take such a costly gamble on a player who has just under 50 professional appearances to his name?
The answer in my mind at least appears to be yes, they can. With top-four rivals Manchester United having recently splashed a world record £80 million on Harry Maguire, a man with no European experience and an aerial duel succession rate that masks his obvious shortcomings both in the tackle and on the counter, it is clear that money is no object in a market that also touts Nathan Ake at an eye-watering £75 million – the same price as Ballon D’Or favourite Virgil Van Dijk.
Upamecano is six years younger than Maguire and has already showcased his talents at the highest level, averaging a remarkable six tackles and interceptions per game in last season’s Europa League.
These stats could in some cases prove misleading, with such high tackle and interception numbers merely showcasing a team constantly under pressure, but, also averaging 50 passes per game at more than an 80% success rate, he is clearly comfortable in a possession-based system as well.
Unlike Shkodran Mustafi, his positioning is highly regarded, and Upamecano can use his pace to cover in behind, which would allow for the more aggressive centre-half Sokratis to try and attack the first ball with the 20-year-old able to mop up in behind.
Versatility also plays a vital role in Upamecano’s game, and with a good aerial duel succession rate, he too can attack loose balls.
With quality defensive options proving to be expensive and hard to come by, Upamecano must be earmarked as a priority for the Gunners, especially with the new season only around the corner and no defensive reinforcements to show for it as of yet.
