Arsenal have reportedly stepped up their pursuit of a centreback by bidding £55m for RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano but it has, if it ever existed, been rejected.

LEIPZIG, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 11: Dayot Upamecano of Leipzig reacts during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Red Bull Arena on November 11, 2018 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images)
LEIPZIG, GERMANY – NOVEMBER 11: Dayot Upamecano of Leipzig reacts during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Red Bull Arena on November 11, 2018 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images)

Arsenal, as we know, need a central defender. Laurent Koscielny wants away, Shkodran Mustafi is, well, Shkodran Mustafi and while Calum Chambers has shown he has what it takes for Fulham, he has still not convinced for Arsenal.

Looking like they were spending all their money on attackers, as we head into the final days of the incoming English transfer window, we can expect numerous reports like this one.

I don’t know if Arsenal have bid £55m for Upamecano but I do know that we cannot rule it out with the same certainty as we could pre-Pepe. That makes every rumour exciting and annoying at the same time.

I first came across this report on Talksport which instantly makes it unreliable for me. Then again, they got it from Bild which has a mixed reputation.

The German publication write that Arsenal offered €60m but RB Leipzig want more. £70m, apparently.

The Harry Maguire effect, if you will.

Arsenal have been trying to get Laurent Koscielny to see out the last year of his contract which would solve a number of problems, but the Arsenal captain is reportedly set on leaving. He has allegedly been eyeing up a coaching role at Bordeaux.

The Guardian report that Arsenal had made an inquiry for the 20-year-old but state that Arsenal have yet to submit a formal bid, despite the reports from Germany.