Suggestions that Arsenal have agreed a fee for Dayot Upamecano are wide of the market, according to Goal reporter Charles Watts.
Reports from Tuttosport claimed that the Gunners already had an agreement in place with RB Leipzig over a deal for the 21-year-old.
Upamecano has just one year remaining on his contract in Germany, and with no extension on the horizon it seems that he's likely to be sold this summer.
Valued at £40.5million by Transfermarkt, the defender also has a minimum fee release clause in his contract, however according to Watts, reports of an agreed deal are wide of the mark.
The Goal reporter did, however, suggest another target was on the horizon.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Watts said: “Arsenal are very thin on the ground in terms of centre-back options – even with William Saliba and Pablo Mari.
“I’d like to see them sign another centre-back.
“I know that they really like Axel Disasi over in France. He’s a young defender who they’ve been scouting a lot and they’re interested.
“He could be available for £13-£14million, which isn’t masses in this market at all.
“As for (Dayot) Upamecano, the stories out at the moment are that Arsenal have agreed a fee with RB Leipzig for him.
“As far as I’m aware that’s not the case.
“Arsenal like him, who doesn’t? He’s one of the most talented young defenders in Europe. All of the big clubs like him and we know what he can do.
“I can’t see him signing a new contract with Leipzig – he only has year left on his contract and Leipzig can’t let him go on a free so they will be looking to sell him this summer.
“His release clause is £53million but they aren’t going to get that. They’ll have to accept less if they’re going to sell him this summer.
“Would Arsenal be interested in him? Yes. Have Arsenal agreed a fee for him? As far as I’m aware no, and I’d still be surprised if they signed him.
“I just don’t see where the money is. Unless they make some significant sales and get themselves Champions League football, I just don’t see it.”
GIVEMESPORT'S Phil Spencer says...
What a blow this will be to Arsenal fans.
Dayot Upamecano is one of the hottest young defensive talents in Europe and a deal to sign him would have been a huge signal of intent.
While Charles Watts believes that it could be tricky to pull off a deal, it doesn't mean that a move is off the cards completely.
Few predicted a move for Nicolas Pepe last summer and Arsenal were able to pull that off, so maybe they'll be able to do the same again.
It does seem unlikely, but you wouldn't put it past them to pull off a surprise deal.