Zinedine Zidane has put RB Leipzig centre back Dayot Upamecano at the top of his wish list, as the Real Madrid manager aims to strengthen his defensive options in the summer.
The 21-year-old has emerged as one of the most promising defensive talents in Europe, and has been an integral part of the Leipzig backline that have conceded the joint fewest goals in the Bundesliga this season.
His performances have seen him linked with a move to Arsenal, Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Barcelona, and according to reports in Spain, Real Madrid have also joined the race for the youngster.
Spanish news outlet AS states that Zidane is keen to ‘freshen up his defensive options’, and Upamecano is his number one target. The report adds that Zidane is ‘confident he’ll have the youngster at his disposal next season’ despite the considerable interest in his services elsewhere.
The Real boss is also said to be unconvinced with Éder Militão, whom Real signed in January 2019, prior to Zidane’s return to the Bernabeu, while third choice centre half Nacho Fernández – who has spent his entire career at Real Real – has been restricted to cameos this season and is likely to leave.
As for Upamecano, his contract with Leipzig expires next summer and he has already turned down a new deal at the club.
This summer will be Leipzig’s final opportunity to cash in on their highly-rated youngster, and although Real could negotiate taking the Frenchman to the Bernabeu on a free in January, Zidane is keen for him to join from the start of the season.
Real’s current first choice centre back pairing is Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane and should he join the Spanish giants, Upamecano may have to initially settle for a place as understudy to the pair.
But with a host of Europe’s top sides making him a top target – La Liga rivals Barcelona for one, as well as Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, a real transfer tug of war could be about to ensue and Upamecano joining Real is by no means a certainty.
Let’
