Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta identifies £55m dream signing but two problems emerge

Arsenal have set their sights on Dayot Upamecano – but the Gunners face two problems in their bid to sign the RB Leipzig central defender.

Mikel Arteta is eager to strengthen at the back amid the challenging financial environment created by the coronavirus crisis.

A long-term partner for William Saliba has been earmarked as a priority and Arteta’s dream signing has been identified.

According to Bleacher Report, Upamecano is at the top of the wish list amid his impressive progression at Leipzig.

Arsenal’s difficult economic circumstances – further complicated by a fourth year without Champions League football – means they will struggle to trigger his €60million (£55m) release clause.

LATEST LIVE SPORT TV DEALS

Get Sky Sports for just £25 per month for 3 months

Get BT Sport for HALF PRICE

Arteta issued a transfer message to club chiefs after Wednesday’s impressive win against Premier League champions Liverpool.

When asked if he will have the finances that he needs to transform the first-team squad, Arteta admitted: “I don’t know.”

He added: “It’s a big concern because you just have to see how they build those squads and there’s no magic.

“You need to improve with quality, quality players to the squad and you need bigger squads to compete in this competition. That is the challenge.”

This article contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission on any sales of products or services we write about. This article was written completely independently, see more details here

source: express.co.uk