Arsenal transfer news: Dayot Upamecano wants Barcelona move as Red Bull Salzburg rejects Gunners offer
Manchester City also keen on young French ace but he has his heart set on a big-money dream move to the Nou Camp
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RISING star Dayot Upamecano has reportedly rejected an offer to join Arsenal as he holds out for a switch to Barcelona.
The Red Bull Salzburg star is out of contract in 2018 and been attracting interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Manchester City are keen, with Pep Guardiola desperate to strengthen his shaky backline following more injury woes for Vincent Kompany.
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But Spanish newspaper claims Arsenal have made the first move as Arsene Wenger prepares for life without veteran skipper Per Mertesacker.
However, Upamecano has dismissed the Gunners in the hope that dream club Barcelona will come forward.
The 18-year-old Frenchman has already notched up 20 appearances for Austrian outfit Red Bull this season and feels he is ready to step up to the level required at the Nou Camp.
Luis Enrique is monitoring Upamecano’s progress but is in no rush to launch a bid after easing his defensive crisis with the addition of Lyon’s Samuel Umtiti last summer.
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Javier Mascherano continues to impress after signing a new deal, but space could free up next summer if Jeremy Mathieu is cut loose.
Upamecano can also be deployed as an emergency anchorman and his versatility could prove crucial in easing the burden on the world-class Sergio Busquets.