Arsenal have been dealt a huge blow in their pursuit of Dayot Upamecano after the defender agreed to extend his current deal at RB Leipzig, according to a report.
The Frenchman has been linked with a host of top European sides following his performances in the Bundesliga this term, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and AC Milan all credited with an interest.
Upamecano's contract with Julian Nagelsmann's side was due to expire at the end of next season, but according to German outlet Sportbuzzer, the centre-back has committed his long-term future to Leipzig.
Arsenal were believed to be hopeful of striking a cut-price deal for the defender this summer, but the report claims that Leipzig have inserted a £53m release clause in Upamecano's new contract.
Even though this figure may still be regarded as a reasonable price for the 21-year-old, Arsenal will supposedly be limited to swap and part-exchange deals during the transfer window in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Upamecano has turned out 36 times for Leipzig across all competitions this term, with the Bundesliga outfit set to take on Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League in August.
Ben Knapton
