Arsenal 'lead the chase for Leipzig defender Upamecano in £50m deal'

Arsenal are set to beat off competition from AC Milan to sign rising Bundesliga star Dayot Upamecano from RB Leipzig in a £50million deal.

The Gunners had attempted to snare the French defender in the summer but were scared off after being asked to cough up £70m.

But now the north London side could come back in for the player, with his release clause now reportedly at a lower figure.

The powerful centre-back is one of the hottest properties in the Bundesliga and has a list of admirers, including Serie A giants AC Milan.

But despite the interest, Arsenal have moved into a commanding position to seal the 20-year-old's signature, according to Italian site Calciomercato.

With reports Upamecano's release clause lowers by £17m each year, Leipzig should be interested in cashing in while his stock is high, allowing Arsenal to swoop for the player for roughly £50m.

There have been question marks over Arsenal's defence for years, and many feel they are in need of new blood at the back.

While the Gunners signed young centre-back William Saliba in the summer, fans were disappointed to hear he was being immediately loaned back to Saint Etienne.

Upamecano began his professional career with Austrian side Liefering in 2015-16, before moving to Red Bull Salzburg the following season.

In the same campaign he was transferred to the club's Bundesliga affiliate RB Leipzig for £10m. He has since made 49 appearances for the German side.