18-year-old Red Bull Salzburg centreback, Dayotchanculle Upamecano, has chosen to stay at the Bundesliga club instead of signing for Manchester United or Arsenal.

The France youth international signed for Salzburg last year for a reported £2m and has chosen to stay in order to continue his development.

Speaking the the club’s website, he said:

“I feel very comfortable here in Salzburg, both in the team and the city. My family have been here for a year and have supported me throughout this time but now I’m ready to be here alone.”

Upamecano, who can also play as a defensive midfielder, is highly rated but, given his lack of experience, has only featured 16 times for the Salzburg first team in the Bundesliga so far. 14 of these have come this season and he’s already created two assists, so you can imagine that his increased playing time for his club has influenced his decision to stay.

The lad is only 18 and has years to change his mind. His current contract with Salzburg runs out in 2018 and I’m sure if he continues to impress, he’ll have countless other clubs knocking on his door, not just Manchester United and Arsenal. However, if he wants to continue getting regular game time, staying put is probably the most sensible option for him right now.

Manchester City and Barcelona are also said to be keen.

Here he is in action for France’s u17s last year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYQ51ou_aOI