Barcelona and Arsenal keen on Salzburg starlet Dayotchanculle Upamecano but relationship with Red Bull Leipzig could see him join Bundesliga side
French central defender, 18, is attracting attention from European powerhouses, but Germany's surprise package hold advantage
ARSENAL are just one of a host of top European names keeping an eye on Red Bull Salzburg wonderkid, Dayotchanculle Upamecano.
However, there is an unlikely candidate in pole position for the 18-year-old central defender's signature.
Catalan daily, , reveal Barcelona have recently sent scouts to watch Upamecano.
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While Bayern Munich and Juventus — as well as the Gunners — are also keeping tabs on the former Under-17 European champion with France.
But, it’s Bundesliga surprise package, Red Bull Leipzig, who hold the advantage.
Salzburg are no strangers to selling players to the German side owned by the same energy drinks company.
And should Leipzig maintain their incredible start to the Bundesliga and qualify for the Champions League, they will expect to sign Upamecano.
Barcelona are reportedly next in line as continue they look to for a cure to the centre-back blues.
With Gerard Pique and Javier Mascherano now 29 and 32, they need to make plans for the future — and summer signing Samuel Umtiti is yet to show he is up to the task.
Upamecano’s contract with the Austrian side runs out in 2018, and that could work in Barca’s favour, but would have to act quickly.
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The club’s side’s hierarchy believe he has been moulded into exactly the type of defender that are looking for in his time working under Salzburg Catalan manager — and former La Masia graduate — Oscar Garcia.
The starlet came through the ranks at French side Valenciennes and, at the age of 15, was part of the Bleus side which won the 2015 Under-17 Championships.
His performances attracted the attention of Arsenal, Juventus and Bayern Munich, but he moved to Red Bull Salzburg just two months after the tournament ended for a reported fee of £1.8million.
Upamecano has risen through the French ranks and is now playing for the Under-19s side.
Meanwhile, Juventus are keen to make a move now.
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The Serie A giants’s strength has always been a stern defence, and they are in the market for young talent.
Current first-choice three, Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli are 32, 29 and 35 respectively.
And, with on-loan Medhi Benatia set to return to Bayern Munich, the Bianconeri could even be set to test the waters in January.