Arsenal to make cut-price £40m transfer move for Dayot Upamecano with RB Leipzig star wanted to ease defensive worries

ARSENAL will make a cut-price move for France centre-back Dayot Upamecano to boost Unai Emery’s defensive worries.

The Gunners failed with a £40million move for the Red Bull Leipzig youngster but the German club are braced for a fresh bid.

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Upamecano, 20, has not signed a new deal with the Bundesliga high-flyers and his contract expires at the end of next season.

With the prospect of losing him for nothing in just over 18 months, he could leave with another £40million offer.

Arsenal are expected to make their move either in January or the summer - but Upamecano is firmly on their radar as the centre-back they want.

Emery signed David Luiz, 32, from Chelsea in the summer but Upamecano is seen as a player who could be the cornerstone of Arsenal’s defence for years.

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Upamecano turns 21 next week but is in his third season as a first-team player at Leipzig after a spell at Red Bull Salzburg.

The French youth international has featured in five games this season in all competitions.

He will be vying to start against Zenit in the Champions League this evening.