Dayot Upamecano claims Arsenal have a player who is one of ‘the best’

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Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano referenced one Arsenal player when speaking to the media on international duty.

The November international break has come at a good time for Arsenal, who will welcome the two weeks away to get their long list of injured players back on the pitch.

When the Premier League resumes, Mikel Arteta has two huge tasks to overcome to conclude November, with London derbies against Tottenham and Chelsea next up.

In between the two clashes comes a Champions League blockbuster against Bayern Munich, making Upamecano’s latest comments all the more interesting.

Dayot Upamecano says William Saliba is one of the best defenders in the world

Arsenal fans wanted to see the club sign Upamecano after the centre-back’s 2020 star showing against Tottenham.

His time at RB Leipzig paved the way for him to sign for Bayern Munich, which will now lead him to Arsenal, who host the Bavarian club on matchday five of the league phase of the Champions League.

The two clubs are faultless in the competition thus far, and Upamecano thinks he knows why, calling himself and William Saliba two of ‘the best’ defenders in the world right now.

Speaking in a press conference ahead of France’s match against Ukraine, Upamecano was asked if he thinks he’s the best central defender in the world after his monstrous performance against Paris Saint-Germain.

Laughing, the Frenchman responded, “Yes, I’m one of the best and very good defenders, like William Saliba and Ibou Konate. But above all, I’m surrounded by the best in France and at Bayern.”

The 27-year-old’s statement won’t come with many arguments, as it’s well known that Saliba is one of the Premier League’s best.

Upamecano will be eager to prove himself against Arsenal

Being a French international and a star at Bayern Munich, Upamecano doesn’t have to prove himself to anyone; however, he will be eager to show what he can do at the Emirates.

That’s because when Bayern Munich met Arsenal in the 2023/24 Champions League quarter-final, the defender was only involved for one minute.

The Frenchman spent the first leg of the tie on the bench as an unused substitute, then was awarded just one minute in the second leg. 

Upamecano has become a firm starter this season under Vincent Kompany, and on matchday five of the Champions League, he’ll have the chance to battle Saliba.