Arsenal-linked Upamecano ‘one of the most exciting defenders in the world’, says Gunners’ academy manager Mertesacker

Well at least we can say that we seriously tried to bring him in. I am not blaming the board for not paying more than they bid last summer. 60 million was a very good offer for then a 20 year old CB, who had a good profile, but his reputation wasn’t as proven(he played 5 CL group stage matches up to that point) plus his injury record isn’t elite.

Of course he is a very good CB and I am sad that we most likely won’t see him in Arsenal shirt, but I won’t blame the higher ups for not trying. They did, Leipzig just didn’t want to negotiate. It happens.