Barcelona 'enter race to sign Leipzig defender Upamecano'

Barcelona have reportedly entered the transfer tussle to snap up Red Bull Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano.

Boss Quique Setien is believed to have made recruiting defensive reinforcements his top priority at the end of the season, and the French central defender could switch to the Nou Camp for a £50million fee.

According to Le10 Sport, the defending LaLiga title holders will have to fend off competition from Arsenal to sign Upamecano.

But the North London giants remain keen on the highly-rated 21-year-old, who has starred for the Bundesliga outfit and helped them mount a title challenge.

The stalwart's contract with Leipzig is currently set to expire in the summer of 2021, further fuelling speculation of high-profile move.

And the hopes of both teams have been further boosted after the French U-21 star alluded to interest from several potential suitors.

'As I said, first I focus on RB Leipzig and then about what I intend to do, but there are clubs that love me,' Upamecano told Mundo Deportivo.

'I will speak well with my agents and my parents at the end of the season. And we will make the right decision.'

But Barcelona may be tempted to stump up more than Arsenal because of uncertainty within their defensive ranks.

Football Espana believe that there are growing doubts over the long term fitness of Samuel Umtiti, and Jean-Clair Todibo may join Schalke on a permanent basis.

And with time rapidly running out on Upamecano's terms with Leipzig, the Bundesliga title hopefuls may be tempted to collect a sizeable fee instead.