Arsenal are unlikely to look much further than their defence when the January window swings open and the Gunners attempt to improve their team.
In the summer the Gunners had been heavily linked with RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano. Rated as one of Europe’s best defenders, Bild in Germany reported that Arsenal had a bid in excess of £40million turned down for the Frenchman, with his club said to be looking for a figure closer to £70million.
But now Arsenal will not be the only Premier League team interested in signing him, with Manchester City and Tottenham joining the race, according to Football London.
And that will cause Arsenal issues. Both Tottenham and City have the lure of Champions League football and are looking in better shape than Arsenal at this moment in time who appear directionless and are still without a permanent head coach to succeed Unai Emery.
Despite being just 21 and yet to receive a cap for his country, Upamecano is widely regarded as being fairly experienced for his age and offers a commanding assured presence in defence, something Arsenal certainly need right now. Crucially Upamecano is also well known for his ability on the ball, something they club seem like they certainly what the team to do, play out from the back.
If Arsenal miss out on Upamecano then they may turn their attentions to Juventus defender Merih Demiral, who they have been linked with in the Italian press this week.
Arsenal need to sign a new defender but they will also need to start shipping others. Sokratis, Chambers, Holding, Luiz and Mavropanos are currently at the club, with summer signing William Saliba set to return in the summer. Chambers could be the first to leave with there likely to be more market interest in the Englishman than any of the other options.