Manchester City are eyeing a move for RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano

Defending Premier League champions Manchester City are reportedly interested in signing RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano in the upcoming winter transfer window. Pep Guardiola has been struggling for depth in the team’s defence, with the departure of Vincent Kompany and the club’s failure to replace him. The manager has been furious as midfielders Fernandinho and Rodri were forced to take up defensive duties on multiple occasions during Manchester City's ongoing season. 

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Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte has been ruled out with a long term injury, which forces City to consider bringing in reinforcement in the upcoming transfer window. Although Guardiola would not want to indulge in buying players just to fulfil short-term needs, but would rather look at long term benefits. Manchester City also had to deal with the unavailability of John Stones at the start of the Premier League season, due to injury. That left just Nicolas Otamendi as the only option at the back.

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Arsenal rumoured to be interested in RP Leipzig player Dayot Upamecano

According to British media reports, Arsenal are also interested in the player. The Gunners failed to convince RB Leipzig with a £40m offer, but it is believed that they would submit a fresh bid again. Dayot Upamecano is yet to extend his contract with the Bundesliga side, which expires at the end of next season. If the player does not extend his contract, he would be free to negotiate legally with clubs across Europe for a free transfer from January 2021. RB Leipzig would not want their prized asset to leave on a free transfer and would be looking to cash on the player if a suitable offer arrives.

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Manchester United target Ruben Dias is also rumoured to be on Pep Guardiola’s radar, however, the player is under contract at Benfica until 2024. This would make the negotiations more rigid. On the other hand, Dayot Upamecano’s RB Leipzig contract expires in 18 months, which makes the Frenchman an achievable target. 

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